Automated evaluation of masseter muscle volume: deep learning prognostic approach in oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia has been identified as a potential negative prognostic factor in cancer patients. In this study, our objective was to investigate the relationship between the assessment method for sarcopenia using the masseter muscle volume measured on computed tomography (CT) images and the life expectancy of patients with oral cancer. We also developed a learning model using deep learning to automatically extract the masseter muscle volume and investigated its association with the life expectancy of oral cancer patients. METHODS: To develop the learning model for masseter muscle volume, we used manually extracted data from CT images of 277 patients. We established the association between manually extracted masseter muscle volume and the life expectancy of oral cancer patients. Additionally, we compared the correlation between the groups of manual and automatic extraction in the masseter muscle volume learning model. RESULTS: Our findings revealed a significant association between manually extracted masseter muscle volume on CT images and the life expectancy of patients with oral cancer. Notably, the manual and automatic extraction groups in the masseter muscle volume learning model showed a high correlation. Furthermore, the masseter muscle volume automatically extracted using the developed learning model exhibited a strong association with life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS: The sarcopenia assessment method is useful for predicting the life expectancy of patients with oral cancer. In the future, it is crucial to validate and analyze various factors within the oral surgery field, extending beyond cancer patients.

OLIG2 is an in vivo bookmarking transcription factor in the developing neural tube in mouse.

Cells possess intrinsic features that are inheritable via epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation and histone modification. These inheritable features maintain a unique gene expression pattern, underlying cellular memory. Because of the degradation or displacement of mitotic chromosomes, most transcription factors do not contribute to cellular memory. However, accumulating in vitro evidence indicates that some transcription factors can be retained in mitotic chromosomes called as bookmarking. Such transcription factors may contribute to a novel third mechanism of cellular memory. Since most findings of transcription factor bookmarking have been reported in vitro, little is currently known in vivo. In the neural tube of mouse embryos, we discovered that OLIG2, a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor that regulates proliferation of neural progenitors and the cell fate of motoneurons and oligodendrocytes, binds to chromatin through every cell cycle including M-phase. OLIG2 chromosomal localization coincides with mitotic cell features such as the phosphorylation of histone H3, KI67, and nuclear membrane breakdown. Chromosomal localization of OLIG2 is regulated by an N-terminus triple serine motif. Photobleaching analysis revealed slow OLIG2 mobility, suggesting a high affinity of OLIG2 to DNA. In Olig2 N-terminal deletion mutant mice, motoneurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor numbers are reduced in the neural tube, suggesting that the bookmarking regulatory domain is important for OLIG2 function. We conclude that OLIG2 is a de novo in vivo bookmarking transcription factor. Our results demonstrate the presence of in vivo bookmarking in a living organism and illustrate a novel function of transcription factors.

Current Status and Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Oral Malignant Melanoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including first-line, adjuvant, and neo-adjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease, albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.

Labial Vestibular Flap Closure of the Cleft Palate Is Advantageous for Maxillary Development.

Objective: Using labial vestibular flap was performed to close the primary alveolar and hard palate cleft at the second stage of early 2-stage closure surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate for minimizing the damage to the maxillary periosteum. We analyzed maxillary development to clarify the influence of cleft palate surgery. Design: Retrospective longitudinal study in 5 years after primary palatal closure. Setting: Institutional study Patients: Study subjects included 214 patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who were consecutively treated in our clinic. Main Outcome: We used a 3D dental model scanner to assess maxillary development in patients aged 3 months to 5 years after using either the conventional pushback method (PB) (51 cases) or 2-stage closure (Local palatal flap closure: LF [67 cases] and Labial vestibular flap closure: VF [96 cases]). Results: Comparing the measurement results, the major axis of maxilla, width, intercanine distance, and intermolar distance was significantly larger in the LF group compared to the PB group. After the age of 3, the cleft side of VF group had grown significantly to compare with LF group in width. It was also confirmed that the inserted labial mucosal flap itself grew. Enlargement of the labial mucosal flap was observed at all sites except the canine. Conclusion: Good maxillary growth occurred in the following order: VF groups > LF group > PB group. Poor growth was correlated with the extent of periosteal damage during surgery and the degree of postoperative bone surface exposure.

Sulfatide with ceramide composed of phytosphingosine (t18:0) and 2-hydroxy FAs in renal intercalated cells.

Diverse molecular species of sulfatide with differences in FA lengths, unsaturation degrees, and hydroxylation statuses are expressed in the kidneys. However, the physiological functions of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys are unclear. Here, we evaluated the distribution of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys and their physiological functions. Electron microscopic analysis of kidneys of Cst-deficient mice lacking sulfatide showed vacuolar accumulation in the cytoplasm of intercalated cells in the collecting duct, whereas the proximal and distal tubules were unchanged. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that vacuolar H+-ATPase-positive vesicles were accumulated in intercalated cells in sulfatide-deficient kidneys. Seventeen sulfatide species were detected in the murine kidney by iMScope MALDI-MS analysis. The distribution of the specific sulfatide species was classified into four patterns. Although most sulfatide species were highly expressed in the outer medullary layer, two unique sulfatide species of m/z 896.6 (predicted ceramide structure: t18:0-C22:0h) and m/z 924.6 (predicted ceramide structure: t18:0-C24:0h) were dispersed along the collecting duct, implying expression in intercalated cells. In addition, the intercalated cell-enriched fraction was purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using the anti-vacuolar H+-ATPase subunit 6V0A4, which predominantly contained sulfatide species (m/z 896.6 and 924.6). The Degs2 and Fa2h genes, which are responsible for ceramide hydroxylation, were expressed in the purified intercalated cells. These results suggested that sulfatide molecular species with ceramide composed of phytosphingosine (t18:0) and 2-hydroxy FAs, which were characteristically expressed in intercalated cells, were involved in the excretion of NH3 and protons into the urine.

Establishment of neural stem cell culture from the central nervous system of the Iberian ribbed newt Pleurodeles waltl.

Urodele amphibians have exceptional regeneration ability in various organs. Among these, the Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) has emerged as a useful model organism for investigating the mechanisms underlying regeneration. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are an important source of regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and their culture method in vitro has been well established. NSCs form spherical cell aggregates called neurospheres and their formation has been demonstrated in various vertebrates, including some urodele species, but not in P. waltl. In this study, we reported neurosphere formation in brain- and spinal cord-derived cells of post-metamorphic P. waltl. These neurospheres showed proliferative activity and similar expression of marker proteins. However, the surface morphology was found to vary according to their origin, implying that the characteristics of the neurospheres generated from the brain and spinal cord could be similar but not identical. Subsequent in vitro differentiation analysis demonstrated that spinal cord-derived neurospheres gave rise to neurons and glial cells. We also found that cells in neurospheres from P. waltl differentiated to oligodendrocytes, whereas those from axolotls were reported not to differentiate to this cell type under standard culture conditions. Based on our findings, implantation of genetically modified neurospheres together with associated technical advantages in P. waltl could reveal pivotal gene(s) and/or signaling pathway(s) essential for the complete spinal cord regeneration ability in the future.

Maxillary Development and Dental Arch Relationships Following Early Two-Stage Palatoplasty: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine skeletal morphology and dental arch relationships at 8 years of age following early 2-stage palatoplasty, which consists of soft palate plasty at 1 year of age and hard palate closure at 1.5 years of age, and to compare the results with those of conventional pushback palatoplasty. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Single institutional study. PATIENTS: Eighty-six patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were selected. INTERVENTION: The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the palatoplasty protocols, as follows: 45 patients, who underwent early 2-stage palatoplasty (ETS group), and 41 patients, who underwent 1-stage pushback palatoplasty (PB group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skeletal morphology was assessed using lateral cephalometric analysis, and dental arch relationships were examined using the GOSLON yardstick. RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis revealed that the anterior-posterior length of the maxilla, measured by PTM-A and PTM-ANS, both projected to the nasal floor (NF) plane, was longer in the ETS group than in the PB group (PTM-A/NF, p = .04; PTM-ANS/NF, p = .03, unpaired t-test), although no significant difference was observed in SNA (p = .09, unpaired t-test). Upper posterior facial height was shorter in the ETS group than in the PB group (p = .02, unpaired t). Assessments with the GOSLON yardstick showed that the ETS group presented better dental arch relationships than the PB group (p = 0.04, Mann-Whitney's U-test). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that the ETS protocol reduced the negative effects of palatal surgery on facial development and dental arch relationships in patients with complete UCLP at 8 years of age.

The transcription factor HAND2 up-regulates transcription of the IL15 gene in human endometrial stromal cells.

Cyclic changes of the human endometrium, such as proliferation, secretion, and decidualization, occur during regular menstrual cycles. Heart- and neural crest derivatives-expressed transcript 2 (HAND2) is a key transcription factor in progestin-induced decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). It has been suggested that HAND2 regulates interleukin 15 (IL15), a key immune factor required for the activation and survival of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Activated uNK cells can promote spiral artery remodeling and secrete cytokines to induce immunotolerance. To date, no studies have evaluated the transcription factors that regulate IL15 expression in human ESCs. In the present study, we examined whether HAND2 controls IL15 transcriptional regulation in human ESCs. Quantitative RT-PCR and histological analyses revealed that HAND2 and IL15 levels increase considerably in the secretory phase of human endometrium tissues. Results from ChIP-quantitative PCR suggested that HAND2 binds to a putative HAND2 motif, which we identified in the upstream region of the human IL15 gene through in silico analysis. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found that the upstream region of the human IL15 gene up-regulates reporter gene activities in response to estradiol and a progestin representative (medroxyprogesterone) in ESCs. The upstream region of the human IL15 gene also exhibited increasing responsiveness to transfection with a HAND2 expression vector. Of note, deletion and substitution variants of the putative HAND2 motif in the upstream region of IL15 did not respond to HAND2 transfection. These findings confirm that HAND2 directly up-regulates human IL15 transcription in ESCs.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells.

Cyclic changes, such as growth, decidualization, shedding, and regeneration, in the human endometrium are regulated by the reciprocal action of female hormones, such as estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4). Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells after implantation. Several MMPs and TIMPs function in the decidua and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Here, we aimed to systematically investigate the changes in MMPs and TIMPs associated with ESC decidualization. We evaluated the expression of 23 MMPs, four TIMPs, and four anti-sense non-coding RNAs from MMP loci. Primary ESC cultures treated with E2 + medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a potent P4 receptor agonist, showed significant down-regulation of MMP3, MMP10, MMP11, MMP12, MMP20, and MMP27 in decidualized ESCs, as assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Further, MMP15 and MMP19 were significantly upregulated in decidualized ESCs. siRNA-mediated silencing of Heart and Neural Crest Derivatives Expressed 2 (HAND2), a master transcriptional regulator in ESC decidualization, significantly increased MMP15 expression in untreated human ESCs. These results collectively indicate the importance of MMP15 and MMP19 in ESC decidualization and highlight the role of HAND2 in repressing MMP15 transcription, thereby regulating decidualization.

Familial Hyperaldosteronism Type 3 with a Rapidly Growing Adrenal Tumor: An In Situ Aldosterone Imaging Study.

Primary aldosteronism is most often caused by aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and bi-lateral adrenal hyperplasia. Most APAs are caused by somatic mutations of various ion channels and pumps, the most common being the inward-rectifying potassium channel KCNJ5. Germ line mutations of KCNJ5 cause familial hyperaldosteronism type 3 (FH3), which is associated with severe hyperaldosteronism and hypertension. We present an unusual case of FH3 in a young woman, first diagnosed with primary aldosteronism at the age of 6 years, with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy (left adrenal) to alleviate hyperaldosteronism. However, her hyperaldosteronism persisted. At the age of 26 years, tomography of the remaining adrenal revealed two different adrenal tumors, one of which grew substantially in 4 months; therefore, the adrenal gland was removed. A comprehensive histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular evaluation of various sections of the adrenal gland and in situ visualization of aldosterone, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry, was performed. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunoreactivity was observed in the tumors and adrenal gland. The larger tumor also harbored a somatic ß-catenin activating mutation. Aldosterone visualized in situ was only found in the subcapsular regions of the adrenal and not in the tumors. Collectively, this case of FH3 presented unusual tumor development and histological/molecular findings.

AUF1, an mRNA decay factor, has a discordant role in Cpeb1 expression.

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1) regulates polyadenylation and subsequent translation of CPE-containing mRNAs involved in various physiological and pathological phenomena. Although the significance of CPEB1-mediated translational regulation has recently been reported, the detailed regulatory mechanism of Cpeb1 expression remains unclear. To elucidate the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of Cpeb1 expression, we constructed reporter plasmids containing various deletions or mutations in the Cpeb1 mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). We investigated their expression levels in Neuro2a neuroblastoma cells. We found that Cpeb1 expression is regulated through an AU-rich element in its 3'UTR. Furthermore, the mRNA decay factor AU-rich binding factor 1 (AUF1) regulates Cpeb1 expression, and knockdown of AUF1 upregulates Cpeb1 mRNA expression but results in a decrease in CPEB1 protein levels. These findings indicate that AUF1 has a discordant role in the expression of Cpeb1.

Transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 by HAND2 and FOXO1 in human endometrial stromal cells in women with regular cycles.

Uterine natural killer cells are regulated via surface inhibitory receptors for IL15 and galectin-9 (LGALS9) secreted by endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). However, the mechanism that regulates LGALS9 mRNA levels in ESCs is unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 in ESCs. Here, LGALS9 mRNA expression levels significantly decreased in the endometrial tissue in the early- to mid-secretory phase, and recovered in the mid- to late-secretory phase, compared to that in the proliferative phase. In ESCs, LGALS9 mRNA expression significantly decreased following estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment for 1 day and increased after 12 days compared to that in the control. The transcriptional activity of the LGALS9 upstream region was upregulated by heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2) and downregulated by forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). In ESCs, HAND2 expression significantly increased throughout the 12 days treatment with steroid hormones, whereas FOXO1 expression significantly increased on Day 1, reached a plateau, and significantly increased again after 6 days of treatment. Levels of FOXO1 phosphorylation (pFOXO1) remained unchanged after a 3-day treatment of ESCs with steroid hormones, but significantly increased following a 12-day treatment. pFOXO1 could not bind to the DNA and was thus unable to directly suppress LGALS9 transcription. Therefore, expression level of HAND2 and phosphorylation status of FOXO1 may determine LGALS9 mRNA expression. This study provides a novel molecular mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 mRNA in ESCs, which could be valuable in the treatment of diseases associated with decidualization failure.

Distribution, fine structure, and three-dimensional innervation of lamellar corpuscles in rat plantar skin.

Lamellar corpuscles function as mechanoreceptors in the skin, composed of axon terminals and lamellae constructed by terminal Schwann cells. They are classified into Pacinian, Meissner, and simple corpuscles based on histological criteria. Lamellar corpuscles in rat dermal papilla cells have been reported; however, the morphological aspects have yet to be thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we analyzed the enzyme activity, distribution, fine structure, and three-dimensional innervation of lamellar corpuscles in rat plantar skin. The lamellar corpuscles exhibiting non-specific cholinesterase were densely distributed in rat footpads, evident as notable skin elevations, especially at the apex, the highest portion of the ridges in each footpad. In contrast, only a few lamellar corpuscles were found in other plantar skin areas. Lamellar corpuscle was considered composed of a flat axon terminal Schwann cell lamellae, which were roughly concentrically arranged in the dermal papilla. These histological characteristics correspond to those of the simple corpuscle. Moreover, the axon tracing method revealed that one trunk axon innervated several simple corpuscles. The territory of the trunk axons overlapped with each other. Finally, the animals' footprints were analyzed. During the pausing and walking phases, footpads are often in contact with the floor. These results demonstrate that the type of lamellar corpuscles in the dermal papillae of rat plantar skin is a simple corpuscle and implies that their distribution pattern in the plantar skin is convenient for efficient sensing and transmission of mechanical stimuli from the ground.

2,3-Diarylbenzo[b]arsole: Structural Modification and Polymerization for Tuning of Photophysical Properties.

2,3-Diarylbenzo[b]arsoles were synthesized from zirconacycles and diiodophenylarsine. The structural modification to the luminophore was attained through diarylacetylene precursors, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, and oxidation of the arsenic atom. The emission properties were controlled according to these modifications. The 2,3-diarylbenzo[b]arsoles showed aggregation-induced emission enhancement; the stronger emission was observed in the solid states than in solutions. In addition, Suzuki-Miyaura polycondensation and olefin metathesis polymerization produced main- and side-chain polymers, respectively. The resultant polymers showed different emission behaviors such as aggregation caused quenching and aggregation induced emission enhancement.

Diarsine- vs diphosphine-protected Au13 clusters: Effect of subtle geometric differences on optical property and electronic structure.

In the design of ligand-protected metal clusters, the choice of protecting ligands is a critical factor because they can profoundly affect the nuclearity, geometry, and electronic structures to afford a diverse range of cluster compounds. Here, we report the synthesis of two novel diarsine-protected Au13 clusters ([Au13L5Cl2]3+, L = diarsine) and compare these clusters with diphosphine analogs in terms of the core geometry and optical properties. In the crystal structure, the cluster bearing C3-bridged diarsines {[Au13(dpap)5Cl2]3+, 3} had an apparently identical icosahedral Au13 core to [Au13(dppe)5Cl2]3+ (1) with C2-bridged diphosphines, but slight structural differences associated with the bridging unit of the ligands were found. Despite similar icosahedral Au13 cores 1 and 3, their absorption and photoluminescence profiles were evidently different. Theoretical calculations revealed that the subtle deformation of the Au13 icosahedron, rather than the coordinating atoms (As or P), notably influences the electronic structure to cause the difference in the absorption profiles.

Ankyloglossia Superior Syndrome With Complex Craniofacial Anomalies: Case Report and Literature Review.

Ankyloglossia superior syndrome is an extremely rare entity in which centrally located glossopalatine ankylosis is a principal feature. Some cases are accompanied by cleft palate, micrognathia, or tongue hypoplasia, and affected patients need careful nutritional and respiratory support. We describe a newborn girl in whom ankyloglossia superior syndrome comprised complex craniofacial malformations, including cleft palate, micrognathia, microglossia, and natal teeth as well as limb anomalies. Surgical treatment entailed release of synechiae, and glossopexy was performed successfully to prevent postsurgical airway complications and to ensure adequate nutrition by nipple feeding during infancy.

Various Stacking Patterns of Two-Dimensional Molecular Assemblies in Hydrogen-Bonded Cocrystals: Insight into Competitive Intermolecular Interactions and Control of Stacking Patterns.

Control over the stacking patterns in 2D molecular assemblies is demonstrated using chemical modification. A target system is a hydrogen-bonded cocrystal (2:1) composed of 2-pyrrolidone (Py) and chloranilic acid (CA) (PyCA). X-ray crystallography showed that weak intersheet interactions give rise to a variety of metastable overlapping patterns comprised of the 2D assemblies mainly formed via hydrogen bonds, affording reversible and irreversible structural phase transitions. We prepared cocrystals of Py and anilic acids bearing different halogens, in which 2D assemblies isostructural with those observed in PyCA exhibit various overlapping patterns. The order of stability for each overlapping pattern estimated using calculations of the intermolecular interactions did not completely coincide with those indicated by our experimental results, which can be explained by considering the entropic effect: the molecular motion of Py as detected using nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy.

Neuropeptide Y modulates membrane excitability in neonatal rat mesencephalic V neurons.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of a number of neuropeptides with powerful orexigenic effects. Intracerebroventricular administration of NPY induces increases in food intake and alters feeding rate. Besides it role in feeding behavior, NPY also has significant effects on neuronal systems related to other spontaneous behaviors such as rearing and grooming. In the present study, we examined the direct effects of NPY on mesencephalic V neurons (Mes V), which are important sensory neurons involved in oral motor reflexes and rhythmical jaw movements, as well as masticatory proprioception. Coronal brain slices were prepared from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats (P3-17) and whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from Mes V neurons. Bath application of NPY depolarized the membrane potential and induced inward current in most neurons. Application of NPY shortened the duration of the afterhyperpolarization following an action potential, and increased the mean spike frequency during repetitive discharge. In those neurons which exhibited rhythmical burst discharge in response to maintained current injection, the bursting frequency was also increased. These effects were mediated predominately by both Y1 and Y5 receptors.

Fundamental Study on Arsenic(III) Halides (AsX3; X = Br, I) toward the Construction of C3-Symmetrical Monodentate Arsenic Ligands.

Arsenic ligands have attracted considerable attention in coordination chemistry. Arsenic(III) halides are the most important starting materials in the preparation of monodentate arsenic ligands. In this work, we optimized the synthetic methodologies of arsenic(III) halides (AsX3; X = Br, I) and examined the difference of their physical properties such as solubility to organic solvent and reactivity to nucleophiles. In addition, a wide variety of monodentate arsenic ligands were prepared with the obtained AsX3. Finally, the obtained monodentate arsenic ligands were utilized for copper-free Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction in the reaction system with porphyrin. The results showed that monodentate arsenic ligands have higher catalytic activity compared with triphenylphosphine because of the difference of the electronic features of lone pairs between arsenic and phosphorus atoms.

Comparative evaluation of bone microstructure in alveolar cleft repair by cone beam CT: influence of different autologous donor sites and additional application of ß-tricalcium phosphate.

OBJECTIVES: This study used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to comparatively evaluate the three-dimensional microstructural features of reconstructed bone bridge based on the bone harvesting site and the presence/absence of artificial bone material, as well as the features of regenerated bone tissue after bone harvesting from mandibular symphysis in secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) for patients with cleft lip, with or without cleft palate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients were divided into three groups in which SABG was performed by autologous bone harvesting from iliac crest (IC), mandibular symphysis (MS), or MS combined with ß-TCP granules (MS+TCP). The microstructural trabecular bone parameters (TBPs) and bone structure indexes (SIs) were analyzed using datasets of CBCT images taken before and after SABG. RESULTS: TBPs showed differences between IC and MS groups (P < 0.05), resulting in greater values of bone volume density (P < 0.05) and inferior value of TBPf (P = 0.070) in IC group compared with MS group. Using MS+TCP or filling ß-TCP granules into donor site significantly improved reconstructed or regenerated BV/TV and Tb.Th (P < 0.05) compared with group without ß-TCP. CONCLUSIONS: Microstructural characteristics of reconstructed bone bridge were dependent on the donor site of bone harvesting; using an absorbable bone conductive material improved bone quality and increased bone volume density. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of ß-TCP granules as a partial alternative with autologous bone from mandibular symphysis could obtain comparable outcomes in the microstructure of bone bridge to SABG with autologous iliac crest.