A novel chimeric vaccine candidate for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) I and II elicits neutralizing antibodies against both types.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically important virus within the swine industry. The virus causes respiratory disease and reproductive failure. Two species of PRRSV-I and II are co-dominant, yet no effective vaccination strategy has been developed to protect against these two types. With an aim to develop a chimeric vaccine strain to protect against both types, in this study, a chimeric porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) type I and II was rescued using reverse genetics for the first time. Four chimeric infectious clones were designed based on the genomic arrangement of the structural proteins. However, only the clone carrying the transcriptional regulatory sequence (TRS) and ORF6 of a PRRSV-I and ORF6 of a PRRSV-II generated a viable recombinant virus, suggesting that concurrent expression of ORF6 from both parental viruses is essential for the recovery of type I and II chimeric PRRSV. The chimeric virus showed significantly lower replication ability than its parental strains in vitro, which was improved by serial passaging. In vivo, groups of pigs were inoculated with either the chimeric virus, one of the parental strains, or PBS. The chimeric virus replicated in pig tissue and was detected in serum 7 days post-inoculation. Serum neutralization tests indicated that pigs inoculated with the chimeric virus elicited neutralizing antibodies that inhibited infection with strains of both species and with greater coverage than the parental viruses. In conclusion, the application of this technique to construct a chimeric PRRSV holds promise for the development of a highly effective modified live vaccine candidate. This is particularly significant since there are currently no approved commercial divalent vaccines available to combat PRRSV-I and II co-infections.

Efficient reverse genetics approach involving infectious subgenomic amplicon for engineering dengue virus.

Dengue virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family, can induce a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. While infectious cloning technology is a useful tool for understanding viral pathogenesis and symptoms, it exhibits limitations when constructing the entire Flavivirus genome. The instability and toxicity of the genome to bacteria make its full-length construction in bacterial vectors a time-consuming and laborious process. To address these challenges, we employed the modified infectious subgenomic amplicon (ISA) method in this study, which can potentially be a superior tool for reverse genetic studies on the dengue virus. Using ISA, we generated recombinant dengue viruses de novo and validated their robust replication in both human and insect cell lines, which was comparable to that of the original strains. Moreover, the efficiency of ISA in genetically modifying the dengue virus was elucidated by successfully inserting the gene for green fluorescence protein into the genome of dengue virus serotype 4. Overall, this study highlighted the effectiveness of ISA for genetically engineering the dengue virus and provided a technical basis for a convenient reverse genetics system that could expedite investigations into the dengue virus.

Radiologic comparative analysis between saline and platelet-rich fibrin filling after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting without adjunctive bone graft: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate implant survival rate, any complications, and changes in residual alveolar bone height (RABH) using saline or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) filling after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting. METHODS: Dental implants were placed after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting and the filling of saline (20 patients) or PRF (20 patients). Outcome measurements were implant survival, any complications, and RABH changes. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken and compared preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), at 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months postoperatively (T4), respectively. RESULTS: In a total of 40 patients, 45 implants with a mean length of 10.4 ± 0.8 mm were placed in posterior maxilla of a mean RABH of 6.8 ± 1.1 mm. The increase in RABH peaked at T1, and continuous drooping of the sinus membrane was observed but stabilized at T3. Meanwhile, the gradual increase in the radiopacities was found below the lifted sinus membrane. The PRF filling induced the radiographic intrasinus bone gain of 2.6 ± 1.1 mm, which was significantly more than 1.7 ± 1.0 mm of saline filling at T4 (p < .05). All the implants were in function with no significant complications over the one-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized case-control study, the feasibility of hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting without bone graft was confirmed and PRF might be a better filler to support the elevated sinus membrane. However, adjunctive bone grafting should still be indicated for cases requiring more than 2-3 mm of intrasinus bone gain.

Does the Pharyngeal Airway Recover After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy for Mandibular Prognathism?

PURPOSE: Mandibular setback surgery can adversely affect the pharyngeal airway. The aim of this study was to investigate changes of the pharyngeal airway at specific intervals during a 12-month period after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) for correction of mandibular prognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent BSSO. The pharyngeal airway was measured at 3 different levels on lateral cephalograms: the uvula tip, the most inferior-anterior point on the body of the second cervical vertebra (low-C II), and a midanterior point on the body of the third cervical vertebra (mid-C III). The pharyngeal airway was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The measurements at each level were compared. Multivariable analysis of variance was used to measure the changes in pharyngeal airway space over time. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 30 patients (14 men and 16 women) who were diagnosed with mandibular prognathism. The pharyngeal airway at the uvular tip level was significantly reduced by 39% (P < .001) after surgery and was significantly improved by 26% (P < .01) from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. The pharyngeal airway at the low-C II level was significantly reduced by 27% (P < .001) after surgery and was significantly improved by 24% (P < .01) from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. The pharyngeal airway at the mid-C III level was significantly reduced by 23% (P < .001) after surgery and was improved by only 13% from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. Additional statistical changes were not noted on 3 and 6 months postoperative radiographs at all levels. The pharyngeal airway was decreased by 16, 19, and 8% from baseline at 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The upper airway length was significantly increased immediately after surgery (P < .001), but was incompletely recovered at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study indicate that the pharyngeal airway gradually recovers over time. An immediate postoperative reduction in pharyngeal airway space can induce or exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms; thus, any pre-existing symptoms should be screened and considered for surgical treatment planning.

Maxillary posterior segmentation using an oscillating saw in Le Fort I posterior or superior movement without pterygomaxillary separation.

PURPOSE: Any remaining tuberosity or pterygoid plate frequently interferes with posterior or superior movement of the maxilla, if no pterygomaxillary separation is performed in low-level Le Fort I osteotomy. The objective of this report is to describe a technique for maxillary posterior segmentation using an oscillating saw in Le Fort I posterior or superior movement without pterygomaxillary separation and to present the authors' preliminary multicenter experience with this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent double-jaw surgery at 3 orthognathic surgery centers from May 2010 to December 2012. In all cases, the segmentation procedure was performed using an oscillating saw on a posterior or tuberosity area of the maxilla before downfracture obtained by leverage alone without pterygomaxillary separation, below or near the lower part of the pterygoid plate. RESULTS: In total, 1,231 patients (411 male and 820 female; mean age, 24.9 yr) were enrolled. Mean surgical time for the maxillary procedure was 55.9 minutes. None of the patients received a blood transfusion, and no significant soft or hard tissue complications clinically compromised the healing of the repositioned maxilla. Mean maxillary posterior and superior movements were 3.4 mm (range, 2.1 to 5.6 mm) and 4.0 mm (range, 1.3 to 5.6 mm), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results indicate that this maxillary posterior segmentation procedure using an oscillating saw in low-level stepped Le Fort I osteotomy can be completed safely and effectively for posterior or superior repositioning of the maxilla, with no need to disturb the integrity of the pterygoid plate.

Semi-customized three-dimensional ultra-fine titanium meshes in guided bone regeneration for implant therapy in severe alveolar bone defect: a case report.

This case report provides a detailed description of a simple and fast bone regeneration procedure using a semi-customized three-dimensional ultra-fine titanium mesh. A 50-year-old male with a severe vertical and horizontal bone defect in the anterior mandible underwent implant treatment in a staged approach. The autologous bone was combined with a xenograft, and the mixture was grafted to augment the bone defect and covered with semi-customized ultra-fine titanium meshes, which were selected among its various types according to size and configuration of the bone defect, directly connected and immobilized on the tenting screws with minimal shaping. In a postoperative 6 months re-entry surgery, the performed titanium meshes were removed, implants were placed, and a bone core biopsy was obtained that demonstrated satisfactory new bone formation. Finally, two months later, the definitive prosthesis was installed. This semi-customized ultra-fine titanium mesh could help an implant clinician obtain more predictable results in the guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Chronic periodontitis and risk of lung cancer: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: The impact of long-term chronic periodontal conditions on the risk of lung cancer could not be accurately evaluated. Our aim was to provide more evidence on the connection between chronic periodontitis (CP) and lung cancer using a nationwide dataset. Methods: This study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. We enrolled 72,658 individuals with CP (CP cohort) between 2005 and 2019 and 1:1 age- and sex-matched controls without CP (non-CP cohort). Results: During the median follow-up period of 5.1 (interquartile range, 2.8-8.0) years, 0.56% (n = 405/72,658) of the CP cohort and 0.29% (n = 212/72,658) of the matched non-CP cohort developed lung cancer, with incidence rates of 8.3 and 4.5 per 10,000 person-years. The risk of incident lung cancer was significantly higher in the CP cohort than in the matched non-CP cohort (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.94-2.65). The risk of incident lung cancer was 2.45-fold and 2.10-fold higher in mild and moderate-to-severe CP cohorts than in the matched non-CP control. The risk of incident lung cancer was especially higher in the 40-59 age group, females, and never-smokers than their counterparts. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the risk of incident lung cancer is higher in individuals with CP than in those without. The risk of lung cancer was especially high in individuals with more severe CP, females, never-smokers, and obese populations.

Postoperative effects of anterior nasal spine bone harvesting on overall nasal shape.

AIM: Bone harvesting from the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is frequently used to correct peri-implant bone defects, particularly during implant placement in the anterior maxilla. However, many clinicians are concerned about the postoperative effect of removing the ANS on the nasal outline, as the ANS is integral to supporting the nose. This study aimed to describe the technique of ANS bone grafting and to investigate postoperative effects of bone harvesting from the ANS on the overall nasal shape. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with single maxillary first incisal rehabilitation using dental implant were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. Simply by extending the subperiosteal dissection in the same surgical field without additional local anesthesia, a bone block of about 0.25-0.5 ml could be harvested from the ANS. Nose width (NW), nasolabial angle (NLA), and nasal tip depth (NTD) were measured and analyzed by lateral and frontal photographs taken preoperatively (T0), and at postoperative 1 week (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). Postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: A significant increase in NW and decrease in both NLA and NTD were found at T1 (P < 0.05). At T3, NW, NLA and NTD returned to preoperative measurements at T0 without major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The ANS could be an effective and easily accessible intraoral source for autologous bone. Despite acute soft tissue swelling, the net postoperative effects of removing the ANS on the overall nasal shape, including on nasal tip collapse or widening of the nose base, were negligible.

Application of codon pair deoptimization for ORF7-induced attenuation of type I porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus without reduced immune responses.

Codon pair deoptimization (CPD) attenuated type I porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Infectious clones covering the full genome of a Korean type I PRRSV (E38) were synthesized, and CPD induced nine synonymous mutants of NSP1 (n = 1) and ORF7 (n = 8). In a trial to rescue live viruses from infectious clones, only four clones with mutations at nt 177 downstream of ORF7 were rescued, which showed a substantial decrease in cellular replication ability. The rescue-failed clones had two common mutation sites with a high minimum free energy and significantly modified RNA secondary structure relative to the original virus. In infected pigs, CPD viruses demonstrated significantly lower replication ability and pathogenicity than the original virus. However, immune response level induced by the attenuated viruses and the original virus was similar. This is the first study to demonstrate that type I PRRSV virulence can be attenuated through CPD application to ORF7.

Comparison of Prophylactic Effects between Localized Biomimetic Minocycline and Systematic Amoxicillin on Implants Placed Immediately in Infected Sockets.

This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of localized biomimetic minocycline and systemic amoxicillin on immediate implant placement at infected extraction sites. Twelve mongrels with six implants each were randomly assigned to five groups: uninfected negative control (Group N); infected with oral complex bacteria (Group P); infected and treated with amoxicillin one hour before implant placement (Group A); infected and treated with minocycline during implant placement (Group B); and infected and treated with amoxicillin one hour before implant placement and with minocycline during implant placement (Group C). Radiographic bone level, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), papillary bleeding index (PBI), and removal torque (RT) were recorded. There was no significant difference between Groups A, B, and C for bone loss. Group A showed the highest RT, the lowest PBI, and significantly lower GI and PD values than Group P. Group B exhibited significantly higher RT value than Group N and significantly smaller PD value than Group P at 6 w postoperatively. Localized minocycline could improve implant success by reducing bone loss and increasing RT and systemic amoxicillin could maintain the stability of the peri-implant soft tissue. However, combined use of these two antibiotics did not augment the prophylactic effect.

Intra-sinus rigid fixation of a resorbable barrier membrane to repair a large perforation of the sinus membrane: a technical note.

A resorbable barrier membrane is commonly used for the repair of perforated sinus membranes during sinus lifting surgeries. However, repairing largescale perforations poses challenges for clinicians as the protection and isolation of graft material remain uncertain. With this technique, we aimed to prevent graft material loss and subsequent sinus-related complications using intra-sinus rigid fixation of the resorbable barrier membrane in cases with a large perforation of the sinus membrane.

Evaluation of the Effects of Mouthwash on the Morphology and Cell Viability of Osteoblast-Like Cells.

This study evaluated the effects of multiple mouthwashes on the cellular viability or the morphology of preosteoblasts. Mouse calvarial osteoblast-like cells were cultured and treated with mouthwashes of (1) benzydamine hydrochloride; (2) cetylpyridinium chloride and benzalkonium chloride; (3) methyl salicylate, menthol, eucalyptol, and thymol; and (4) sodium fluoride, xylitol, and chitosan. The treatment times were 30 seconds, 90 seconds, and 270 seconds. Cell morphology was evaluated with a microscope, and the viability of the treated cells was analyzed quantitatively using a commercially available kit. The untreated control group exhibited well-stretched fibroblast-like morphology. Treatment with mouthwash resulted in morphological changes in all groups. Treatment with sodium fluoride resulted in more noticeable changes. Treatment with mouthwash for 30 seconds produced a significant decrease in cell viability. An increase in time to 90 and 270 seconds did not produce additional noticeable changes. To conclude, commercially available mouthwashes created changes in cell morphology and decreased the cell viability of osteoblast-like cells irrespective of ingredients and treatment time.

Five-Year Prospective Study on Implant Failure and Marginal Bone Remodeling Expected Using Bone Level Implants with Sandblasted/Acid-Etched Surface and Conical Connection.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present prospective, case-series study was to report implant survival rate and marginal bone remodeling expected 5 years after loading using dental implants placed in daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was designed as an open-cohort, prospective, case-series evaluation. Any partially or completely edentulous patient, scheduled to receive at least one bone level implant, was considered eligible for this study. Primary outcome measurements were: implant and prosthetic cumulative survival rate and any complications experienced up to the 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were: thickness of gingival biotype, implant insertion torque, implant stability quotient, and marginal bone loss (MBL). RESULTS: Ninety consecutive patients (34 males and 56 females, aged between 24 and 81 years old [mean: 53.2 ± 15.4]) with 243 inserted implants were followed for at least 5 years after loading (mean: 65.4 ± 3.1 months; range from 60 to 72). At the 1-year follow-up, no drop-outs were recorded, but 17 patients (18.9%) with 18 restorations (12.6%) delivered on 34 implants (14%) were lost at the 5-year examination. At the 5-year follow-up examination, six implants lost osseointegration (97.5%). In the same period, four prostheses failed (97.2%). Five complications were reported in five different patients (prosthetic success rate was 96.5%, at patient level). Five years after loading, the mean MBL was 0.41 ± 0.30 mm. The difference from the 1-year data was 0.04 ± 0.19 mm. A statistically significant higher MBL was found for smokers, and patients with thin gingival biotype. The mean implant insertion torque was 42.9 ± 4.8 Ncm (range from 15 to 45 Ncm). Two-hundred and three implants (83.5%) were inserted with an insertion torque ≥35 and ≤45 Ncm. CONCLUSIONS: High implant survival and success rate could be expected with stable marginal bone remodeling up to 5 years after loading. Smoking and thin tissue biotype were the most important variabilities associated with higher MBL. Further research studies are needed to confirm these results.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Guided Bone Regeneration for Peri-Implant Dehiscence Defects with Two Anorganic Bovine Bone Materials Covered by Titanium Meshes.

The aim of this study is to compare two low-temperature sintered anorganic bovine bone materials (ABBMs), Bio-Oss (Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and A-Oss (Osstem, Seoul, Korea), for GBR in dehiscence defects. A single implant was placed simultaneously with GBR in the buccal or bucco-proximal osseous defect by double-layering of inner allograft and outer ABBM, covered by a preformed ultrafine titanium mesh and an absorbable collagen membrane. Grafted volume changes were evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography, taken preoperatively (T0), immediately after implant surgery (T1), after re-entry surgery (T2), and after delivery of the final restoration (T3). The density of the regenerated bone was assessed by measuring the probing depth on the buccal mid-center of the mesh after removing the mesh at T2. Postoperative sequelae were also recorded. Grafted volume shrinkage of 46.0% (0.78 ± 0.37 cc) and 40.8% (0.79 ± 0.33 cc) in the Bio-Oss group (8 patients) and A-Oss group (8 patients), respectively, was observed at T3 (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in grafted volume changes according to time periods or bone density between the two groups. Despite postoperative mesh exposure (3 patients), premature removal of these exposed meshes and additional grafting was not necessary, and all implants were functional over the 1-year follow-up period. Both ABBMs with titanium meshes showed no significant difference in the quantity and density of the regenerated bone after GBR for peri-implant defects.

Clinical factors affecting the longevity of fixed retainers and the influence of fixed retainers on periodontal health in periodontitis patients: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical factors affecting the longevity of fixed retainers and the influence of fixed retainers on periodontal health in periodontitis patients. METHODS: In total, 52 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up after periodontal and orthodontic treatment were included in this study. After scaling and root planing, orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners was performed. Fixed retainers with twist-flex stainless steel wires were bonded to the palatal or lingual sides of anterior teeth. Changes in clinical parameters, including the plaque index, gingival index, calculus index (CI), probing pocket depth, and radiographic bone levels, were evaluated before bonding of fixed retainers and at a 12-month follow-up. Cumulative survival rates (CSRs) for retainer failure were evaluated according to sex, site, CI, stage of periodontitis, and the severity of the irregularity with the log-rank test and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Twelve months after bonding of fixed retainers, improvements were observed in all clinical parameters except CI and radiographic bone gain. The overall CSR of the retainers with a CI <1 at the 12-month follow-up after bonding of fixed retainers was significantly higher than that of the retainers with a CI ≥1 at the 12-month follow-up (log-rank test; P<0.001). Patients with stage III (grade B or C) periodontitis had a higher multivariate HR for retainer failure (5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-23.91; P=0.026) than patients with stage I (grade A or B) periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Although fixed retainers were bonded in periodontitis patients, periodontal health was well maintained if supportive periodontal treatment with repeated oral hygiene education was provided. Nonetheless, fixed retainer failure occurred more frequently in patients who had stage III (grade B or C) periodontitis or a CI ≥1 at 12-month follow-up after bonding of fixed retainers.

The dual-port endoscope-assisted cyst enucleation on the maxillofacial region.

BACKGROUND: Endoscope-assisted surgery is a surgical method that has been used in oral and maxillofacial surgical fields. It provides good illumination, clear, and magnified visualization of the operative field. The purpose of this article is to describe the early clinical experiences to conduct minimally invasive surgery with endoscope-assisted enucleation of cysts on the jaw. It appears that this approach may be a superior alternative to the conventional approach. METHODS: In this study, 24 patients (9 females, 15 males, average age 41.5) underwent endoscope-assisted cyst enucleation under general anesthesia. All operations were done by one surgeon. The cases were classified depending on whether bone penetration occurred at the cyst site. The cystic lesions were enucleated using an endoscope with a 0°, 1.9 mm diameter, or a 30°, 2.7 mm diameter. Two bony windows were used for the insertion of a syringe for irrigation, curettes, suction tips, sinus blades, surgical drills, and an endoscope. An additional small channel was made for the insertion of endoscopic instruments. RESULTS: The 24 patients who underwent cyst enucleation were regularly observed for 3 to 12 months to evaluate for complications. Although some patients experienced swelling and numbness, these symptoms did not persist, and the patients soon returned to normal and there was no sign of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have suggested the possibility of minimally invasive surgery with endoscopes when it comes to cyst removal in the oral and maxillofacial region. Nevertheless, this study has limitations designed as a preliminary report focusing on the feasibility of endoscope-assisted cyst enucleation in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Accuracy of surgical templates with and without metallic sleeves in case of partial arch restorations: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate whether there were any differences in the three-dimensional accuracy and the implant survival rate of implants placed using computer-assisted planning and surgical templates with or without metallic sleeves. SOURCES: This systematic review was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered to the PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) database. STUDY SELECTION: PICOS (population, intervention, control, outcomes, and studies) question was assessed, too. Search strategy encompassed the online (MedLine) literature from 1990 up to December 2020 published in English, and evaluating the accuracy of surgical templates with and without metallic sleeves in partial or complete patients. Only in vivo, randomized controlled trial and observational studies were included. Quality assessment of selected full text articles was performed according to the CONSORT (CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) and STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) statement guidelines, respectively. For data analysis, the three-dimensional accuracy and the overall implant survival rate was calculated and compared between implants placed using surgical templates with or without metallic sleeves. DATA: A total of 12 articles fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data from 264 patients with 614 implants were subjected to quality assessment (templates with metallic sleeves: 279 implants and 136 patients; templates without metallic sleeves: 335 implants and 128 patients). In all the three deviation parameters (angular, vertical, and horizontal), the differences in average accuracy were noticed (angular 2.33° ± 2.01° versus 3.09° ± 1.65°, vertical: 0.62 ± 0.36 [mm] versus 0.95 ± 0.42 [mm]; and horizontal: 0.62 ± 0.41 [mm] and 1.11 ± 0.57 [mm]. No differences was found regarding overall implant survival rate (0.4891). CONCLUSIONS: With the limitations of the present study, the surgical templates without metallic sleeves demonstrated high level of accuracy in all the three-dimensional measurements, when used to rehabilitate partially edentulous patients. Further randomized controlled trials, reporting according to the CONSORT guidelines are needed to confirm that the differences in accuracy depended on the type of used templates.

In vitro evaluation of bioburden, three-dimensional stability, and accuracy of surgical templates without metallic sleeves after routinely infection control activities.

BACKGROUND: Surgical templates are classified as noncritical devices, and they do not need to be sterile. AIM: Primary aim of this study was to assess the microbiological burden present on the surgical templates without metallic sleeves after disinfection. Furthermore, to evaluate trueness after disinfection and steam sterilization at 121°C/15 min, and over a 8-week storage period. Finally, to assess their accuracy after in vitro implant placement simulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty surgical templates were printed and divided in five groups of eight templates each. Groups A to C were disinfected with 0.5% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 70% ethyl alcohol base solution for 15 min. Templates in the group D were steam sterilized at 121°C for 15 min, while, the templates in the group E were used as control. Implant simulation was performed in the group A. Outcome measures were determination of bioburden, trueness assessment using GOM Inspect Professional software, and accuracy evaluated thought the mean angular deviation of simulated implants. RESULTS: Total microbic charge measured as colony forming units (CFU) for sample, was 24.40 in the control group (group E; n = 8), and <4.40 in the test group (group C; n = 8), with a reduction of 84%. Colored representation from GOM inspection showed no differences after disinfection and implant simulation, disinfection alone, and steam sterilization, compared to the control group. A very small difference in the surface and volume dimensions was reported 1 month after templates fabrication. The mean roundness tolerances of the tested templates improved of 0.96 ± 0.56° (95% CI 0.57-1.35). CONCLUSION: Surgical templates without metallic sleeves can be safely used after disinfection, demonstrating high level of accuracy, even when the surgical procedures should be postponed within a couple of weeks. Further in vivo study are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Biosilicated collagen/ß-tricalcium phosphate composites as a BMP-2-delivering bone-graft substitute for accelerated craniofacial bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Bioceramic ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) is used as a bone-grafting material and a therapeutic drug carrier for treatment of bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial regions due to the osteoconductivity and biocompatibility. However, the low mechanical strength and limited osteoinductivity of ß-TCP agglomerate restrict bone regenerating performance in clinical settings. METHODS: Herein, a biomimetic composite is proposed as a bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-delivering bone graft substitute to achieve a robust bone grafting and augmented bone regeneration. RESULTS: The sequential processes of brown algae-inspired biosilicification and collagen coating on the surface of ß-TCP enable the effective incorporation of BMP-2 into the coating layer without losing its bioactivity. The sustained delivery of BMP-2 from the biosilicated collagen and ß-TCP composites promoted in vitro osteogenic behaviors of pre-osteoblasts and remarkedly accelerated in vivo bone regeneration within a rat calvarial bone defect. CONCLUSIONS: Our multicomposite bone substitutes can be practically applied to improve bone tissue growth in bone grafting applications with further expansion to general bone tissue engineering.

Miniscrew-anchored alveolar distraction for the treatment of the ankylosed maxillary central incisor.

This report presents the case of a 20-year-old female patient exhibiting an infraoccluded ankylosed maxillary central incisor that was avulsed and replanted after traumatic injury during childhood. To reposition the osseous and gingival margins of the ankylosed tooth to an ideal level, a new alveolar distraction device that uses anchoring miniscrews with a single tooth dento-osseous osteotomy was fabricated and the ankylosed tooth was successfully treated with exceptional patient compliance.