Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Facial massage is empirically known to be associated with morphological changes, such as improvements in facial sagging. However, quantified objective evaluations of massage-induced changes have not been performed to date. This preliminary pilot study aimed to verify the effectiveness of facial massages by using breakthrough computed tomographic technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy adult volunteers (three women and two men; age, 29-37 years) were enrolled, and computed tomography (CT) examinations using a 320 detectors-spiral CT system known as 320-multidetector-row CT (MDCT) were performed before and after facial massages. Each participant performed a self-massage twice daily for 2 weeks. Massage-induced changes in the cheeks and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) were analyzed by two radiologists on a workstation with a high-accuracy imaging analysis system. RESULTS: After facial massage, the malar top became thinner by -0.8% ± 0.45% and shifted cranially and horizontally over a distance of 3.9 ± 1.94 mm. The SMAS-height, defined as the highest vertical distance of the SMAS, increased by 2.6% ± 2.6%. The change rate in cheek thickness and SMAS-height showed a significant correlation (r = -0.63; P < 0.05). These changes were attributed to the lifting and tightening effects of facial massage. CONCLUSION: We conducted a detailed analysis of the effects of facial massages by using the breakthrough CT technology. Our results provide useful information for beauty treatments and could contribute to the collection of objective scientific evidence for facial massages.

IsoChichibabin desmosine-13C3,15N1 synthesis and quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine and isodesmosine in human skin.

Desmosine and isodesmosine are crosslinking amino acids of elastin, which is an essential component of the dermal extracellular matrix protein. Quantitative analysis of crosslinker desmosines in human skin dermis has not been fully achieved due to the insoluble nature of elastin protein. In the present study, chemical synthesis of isotopically labeled desmosine, desmosine-13C3,15N1, was carried out via isoChichibabin pyridinium synthesis starting from corresponding isotopically labeled amino acids. Isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine and isodesmosine utilizing synthetic desmosine-13C3,15N1 enabled the quantitative analysis of desmosines in human skin for the first time. Thus, ca. 1.43 µg of desmosines was detected from analysis of 1 mg of dry human skin.

Autotransplantation: An Alternative to Dental Implants- Case Report With 4-Year Follow-Up.

Autotransplantation can be a viable alternative to dental implant placement for partially edentulous patients when case selection and surgical procedures are performed properly. Moreover, in the event of a failed autotransplantation, implant placement may still be possible. Autotransplantation offers several benefits compared with dental implants, however the surgical procedure is technique sensitive. This case report demonstrates the clinical steps and healing process of an autotransplanted third molar tooth with complete root formation with a 4-year follow-up.

Performance of CAD/CAM monolithic ceramic Implant-supported restorations bonded to titanium inserts: A systematic review.

AIMS: This review assessed the available evidence on the performance of CAD/CAM monolithic implant-supported restorations bonded to titanium (Ti) inserts and bases, which has become a popular concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic and manual search of PubMed databases was conducted to identify studies published in English between 2000 and 2016 on the performance of monolithic ceramic implant restorations with Ti inserts. RESULTS: The initial search revealed 505 titles. Full-text screening was carried out for 70 studies, yielding 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria. No clinical studies could be identified regarding the performance of monolithic ceramic restorations bonded to Ti inserts. Laboratory studies on selected aspects and studies on similar prosthetic designs indicate that Ti inserts improve the overall fracture strength of ceramic abutments and crowns, protect the implant connection from wear, and offer a better marginal fit when compared with all-ceramic abutments. CONCLUSIONS: While laboratory studies and evaluations of similar designs indicated promising outcomes, clinical studies that evaluate the performance of CAD/CAM monolithic implant-supported restorations bonded to Ti inserts and bases are needed.

Effect of amino acids and amino acid derivatives on crystallization of hemoglobin and ribonuclease A.

Determination of the appropriate conditions for protein crystallization remains a highly empirical process. Preventing protein aggregation is necessary for the formation of single crystals under aggregation-prone solution conditions. Because many amino acids and amino acid derivatives offer a unique combination of solubility and stabilizing properties, they open new avenues into the field of protein aggregation research. The use of amino acids and amino acid derivatives can potentially influence processes such as heat treatment and refolding reactions. The effect of the addition of several amino acids, such as lysine, and several amino acid derivatives, such as glycine ethyl ester and glycine amide, on the crystallization of equine hemoglobin and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A has been examined. The addition of these amino acids and amino acid derivatives expanded the range of precipitant concentration in which crystals formed without aggregation. The addition of such additives appears to promote the crystallization of proteins.