Evaluation of Mandibular Symmetry in Patients With Condylar Osteochondroma Who Underwent Intro-Oral Condylar Resection and Simultaneous Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

Mandibular condylar osteochondroma (OC) can result in facial asymmetry, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The authors have previously demonstrated a novel method for conservative condylectomy and simultaneous orthognathic surgery for treatment of mandibular condylar OC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate improvement and long-term stability of mandibular symmetry in the treatment of condylar OC. Fifty-six patients with unilateral mandibular condylar OC combined with secondary facial asymmetry and malocclusion were enrolled in this retrospective study. The computerized tomography (CT) scans were acquired with the mandible in centric relation (CR) before surgery, 1 week and 12 to 18 months after surgery. The images were reconstructed and processed for the analysis with ProPlan CMF 2.1 software. After defining the skeletal landmarks and the reference planes, the chin deviation, chin rotation and mandibular asymmetry index were calculated. The operations and healing were uneventful and the patients showed no signs of recurrence or temporomandibular joint ankylosis during the follow-up. Facial symmetry was greatly improved right after the surgery in the chin deviation (from 9.2 to 1.7 mm, P < 0.01), chin rotation (from 11.2 to 2.3, P < 0.01) and the asymmetry index of three mandibular landmarks (Go, MF and Sg, all P < 0.01). It also showed a stable result after 12 to 18 months follow-up. We also established a novel measurement method, which showed that the combination of conservative condylectomy via the intraoral approach based on intraoperative navigation and simultaneous orthognathic surgery is effective for improving the facial symmetry when treat the mandibular condylar OC.

Sensory Nerves Affect Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of inferior alveolar nerve on new bone formation in rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Methods: 20 New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral distraction osteogenesis with a rate of 1 mm/day. The inferior alveolar nerve of one side was resected under the surgical microscope, with the inferior alveolar vascular intact. The contralateral side received sham operation. The rabbits were sacrificed at consolidation time of 28 days. The regenerate callus underwent radiograph examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, haematoxylin and eosin staining and histomorphometric analysis. A paired t-test was performed using SPSS 16.0 software package. Results: The BMD of the new bone in the distraction gap on the denervation side of mandibular was significantly lower (P<0.05) than on the control side. The histological investigation showed that the bone trabeculae were dis-arrayed containing dispersed cartilage cells on the denervation side, whereas the bone trabeculae were orderly with rich blood vessels and no cartilage cell on the control side. Both new bone volume and the thickness of new trabeculae were significantly lower on the denervation side than on the control side (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The loss of the sensory nerves could result in a decrease of the new bone quality during the mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Biocompatible ZnS:Mn(2+) quantum dots/SiO2 nanocomposites as fluorescent probe for imaging HeLa cell.

ZnS:Mn(2+) quantum dots (QDs) were successfully embedded in SiO2 spheres by a reverse microemulsion method. The results showed that the monodispersed core/shell nanocomposites were uniform in size, with the majority of the SiO2 nanoparticles containing one QD in the center of the sphere. The shell thickness of SiO2 increased from 7 to 18 nm as the hydrolysis time of TEOS increased from 20 to 40 h. The quantum yield (QY) of the yellow-orange emission (coming from the Mn(2+) ions (4)T1-(6)A1 transition) for the ZnS:Mn(2+)(3 %) QDs and ZnS:Mn(2+)(3 %) QDs@SiO2 (when t = 40 h) nanocomposites was measured to be 34.5 and 22.4 %, respectively. All samples showed no significant cytotoxicity against the HeLa cells even at a high concentration of 500 µg/ml after incubation for 24 h. The red fluorescence can be observed in the cytoplasm of the HeLa cell, further proving its biolabeling applications.

Objective assessment of visual attention in orthognathic surgery training based on eye tracking.

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in visual attention between novices and orthognathic experts, as well as to provide evidence for use in developing and optimizing training strategies for orthognathic surgery. Novice and orthognathic experts were recruited, and their distributions of visual attention were monitored via an eye-tracking device while they watched orthognathic surgery videos. The percentages of visual fixation duration devoted to the areas of interest - surgical objects, instruments controlled by the main surgeon, and instruments controlled by the assistants - in each orthognathic surgery section were analyzed and compared between the two groups using repeated-measures factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). In total, there were 18 participants, comprising both novices (n = 9) and experts (n = 9). For all sections of orthognathic surgery, the percentage of fixation duration on surgical objects was significantly higher for the novices than for the experts (p = 0.031, p = 0.005, p = 0.026, p = 0.047, p = 0.047, p = 0.031, p = 0.027, p = 0.034, p = 0.008, and p = 0.016). During the maxillary segment separation as part of Le Fort I osteotomy and the splitting of the mandible as part of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, the novices also had a higher percentage of fixation duration on the instruments controlled by the main surgeon, as compared with the experts (p = 0.007 and p = 0.048, respectively). Novices invested great cognitive effort into the surgical objects in each section of orthognathic surgery, including the instruments controlled by the main surgeon in the maxillary segment separation and the splitting of the mandible. Strengthening this aspect of instruction could help novices reduce their cognitive load and achieve mastery more efficiently.

A comparison of stromal cell-derived factor-1 expression during distraction osteogenesis and bone fracture in the mandible.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has been a widely applied technique in orthopedics and craniofacial surgery. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which the mechanical stimulus is translated into biological signals is still poorly understood. In this study, we examined and compared the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) during mandibular distraction osteogenesis and fracture in rats, respectively. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups and received unilateral distraction osteogenesis and rigid internal fixation, respectively, after the osteotomy on the right mandible. The harvested mandibles were examined radiographically, histologically, and immunohistochemically. We found that the expression of SDF-1 was mainly detected in the osteoblasts and blood vessels, and there were more intensive expression of SDF-1 in DO zones than in bone fracture zones. The quantitative analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that SDF-1 reached a greater peak and maintained a longer period of up-regulation in DO than in fracture healing (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the distraction procedure markedly promotes the high expression of SDF-1 which facilitates the induction of bone formation during DO.

Reconstruction of Dentomaxillofacial Deformity Secondary to Mandibular Defect Using Concomitant Orthognathic Surgery and Fibula Free Flap.

SUMMARY: The reconstruction of mandibular defects may be delayed or compromised for many reasons, especially in pediatric patients. With the growth of the remaining mandible and the maxilla in the malocclusion status, secondary dentomaxillofacial deformity is plausible. To treat the concomitant mandibular defect and secondary dentomaxillofacial deformity, a hierarchical algorithm using orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, and fibula free flap was developed. This retrospective case series included six patients with long-term mandibular defects caused by tumor resection without repair or with compromised costochondral reconstruction. All patients were treated using the same staged protocol, but with minor changes: (1) presurgical orthodontics, (2) virtual surgical planning, (3) fabrication of the guides and splints, (4) sequenced operations, and (5) postoperative care. The sequence of surgery included the Le Fort I osteotomy, mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the remaining ramus, final occlusion registration, repositioning of the distal segment of the mandible, segmented fibula reconstruction, and finally, the fixation of mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The operations and wound healing were uneventful in all patients, and no flap failure or severe complications were detected. Also, the patients exhibited no signs of temporomandibular joint ankylosis during the follow-up. The subspinale-nasion-supramental angle was significantly reduced after surgery. A significant improvement was detected in the facial contour symmetry measurements postoperatively. This proposed workflow of concomitant orthognathic surgery and the fibula free flap is effective and reliable for the reconstruction of dentomaxillofacial deformity secondary to the long-term mandibular defect.

Exploring the distribution of visual attention in genioplasty trainees using eye-tracking technology.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the visual attention of genioplasty trainees using eye-tracking technology, with the goal of providing insights for optimizing genioplasty training strategies. METHODS: Trainees were recruited for the study, and their visual attention distribution was monitored with an eye-tracking device while they watched a genioplasty procedure video. The percentage of fixation durations dedicated to areas of interest (surgical objects, instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon, and instruments controlled by assistants) were analyzed for each phase of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 20 surgical trainees (8 males, 12 females; mean age, 27.8 years; range, 22-35 years) participated in the study. During the soft tissue reflection phase, trainees' percentage fixation durations on instruments controlled by the primary surgeon were higher than on surgical objects, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The percentage fixation durations on instruments controlled by assistants were significantly lower than on those controlled by the primary surgeon or on surgical objects (p < 0.05). In the osteotomy, bone fixation, and suturing phases, the percentage fixation durations on surgical objects were highest, followed by instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon and those controlled by assistants, with significant differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical trainees need to invest significant cognitive effort in focusing on the instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon and the surgical objects during the soft tissue reflection phase, as well as on surgical objects during the osteotomy, fixation, and suturing phases. Emphasizing these elements during instruction can help trainees reduce their cognitive load and effectively master genioplasty techniques.

[Three-dimensional comparative study on the stability of bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty and simple genioplasty].

PURPOSE: To establish a three-dimensional method to evaluate whether there is a difference in stability between bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty and simple genioplasty. METHODS: This study was a retrospective study. Sixty patients who underwent genioplasty were selected. They were divided into bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty group (n=30) and simple genioplasty group (n=30). The spiral CT data of patients at 2 months before operation (T0), 7 days after operation (T1) and 12 months after operation (T2) were collected, reconstructed and separated, and the three-dimensional model of maxilla and mandible was obtained. A three-dimensional analysis method of stability was established by 3D-matching. Recurrences in three-dimensional space 12 months after surgery were analyzed in two groups of patients. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with SPSS 26.0 software package. RESULTS: In simple genioplasty, the maximum amount of the chin recurrence was sagittal backward recurrence (0.54±0.38) mm, and the sagittal recurrence rate was 12.27%. In bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty, the maximum amount of the chin recurrence was sagittal backward recurrence (0.60±0.31) mm, and the sagittal recurrence rate was 12.96%. Rotation occurred in both groups 12 months after operation, which was 1.98±2.70° in the simple genioplasty group and 1.01±1.61° in the bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty group(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the sagittal movement of the chin between the two groups, and in the sagittal recurrence(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The three-dimensional method established in this study can be used to evaluate the stability after genioplasty. The recurrence after genioplasty mainly occurred in the sagittal direction. The rotation trend of chin after genioplasty is worthy of attention. There was no increased risk for bimaxillary simultaneous genioplasty.

Separation and purification of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from in vitro and in vivo culture systems.

In this study, we evaluated four methods to separate and purify Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from in vivo and in vitro culture systems, including trypsin digestion, purification with a 3-µm filter, CF-11 cellulose purification, and Percoll purification. Our results indicate that both purification with a 3-µm filter and CF11 cellulose purification methods remove leukocytes or HeLa cells, and can therefore be used as candidate methods for the purification of in vivo and in vitro culture products. Trypsin digestion had a high tachyzoite recovery rate, but 22.35% of leukocytes and 69.64% of HeLa cells remained in the purified products. Percoll solution [30% (v/v)] also had a high tachyzoite recovery rate, but 3.44% of leukocytes and 61.61% of HeLa cells remained in the purified products. The 40% Percoll solution was also a candidate method for purifying tachyzoites from in vivo culture products, with a 65.45% tachyzoite recovery rate and without leukocytes.

Effects of sympathetic innervation loss on mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Sympathetic nerve system has been proved to have important regulative effects to bone mass. However, the role of sympathetic nerve system in distraction osteogenesis (DO) is unclear. Here we show that the sympathetic nerve system plays an important role in mandibular DO. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups at random. Right-side mandibular DO was performed on the 15 rats in control group (group A). Bilateral transection of cervical sympathetic trunk and right-side mandibular DO were performed on the 15 rats in the experimental group (group B). After operation, quantitative general observations, micro-computed tomography bone morphology analysis, and hematoxylin-eosin staining osseous tissue on new osteotylus in distraction gap were performed at consolidation time of 1, 14, and 28 days. SPSS 12.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. At 1 and 14 days of consolidation time, there was more continuous bone formation in the experimental group than that of the control group as determined by gross observation. Bone formation parameters including bone mineral density, bone volume-total volume ratio, bone trabeculae number as determined by micro-CT, and histological study of the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups on consolidation time of 28 days. Our study suggested that the sympathetic innervation loss could improve mandibular DO and new bone formation, and the sympathetic nerve system might negatively regulate the process of DO.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: A rare disease with spinal deformity and severe hip dysfunction.

Introduction: Progressive fibrous dysplasia ossification (FOP) is a rare genetic disease characterized by congenital bone malformations and soft tissue masses that progress to heterotopic ossification. Congenital great toe deformity and progressive heterotopic ossifications with an anatomical and temporal pattern are the two classical clinical characteristics of FOP. We present a unique case of FOP characterized by mandibular angle fascial contracture and back and iliopsoas muscle ossification managed via surgery in a 13 year old girl. Case presentation: A 13 year old girl with a history of right cervical fascial release surgery and back heterotopic osteotomy presented to our clinic due to recurrence of heterotopic ossification, scoliosis, and progressive joint stiffness. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination confirmed heterotopic ossification of the left back and left iliopsoas muscle and spinal scoliosis. Two years after the surgery, the patient presented with recurrence of back heterotopic ossification and rapidly advancing ossification of the left iliopsoas muscle. Six months after surgery, the patient had no disability, pain and clinical recurrence, and the joint function recovered. Conclusions: In patients with multiple-site heterotopic ossification caused by FOP, oral function and hip stiffness improve with detailed facial release surgery and rehabilitation treatment. However, dorsal fascia ossification and spinal scoliosis can recur shortly after resection.

Stretchable and Self-Adhesive PEDOT:PSS Blend with High Sweat Tolerance as Conformal Biopotential Dry Electrodes.

Dry epidermal electrodes that can always form conformal contact with skin can be used for continuous long-term biopotential monitoring, which can provide vital information for disease diagnosis and rehabilitation. But, this application has been limited by the poor contact of dry electrodes on wet skin. Herein, we report a biocompatible fully organic dry electrode that can form conformal contact with both dry and wet skin even during physical movement. The dry electrodes are prepared by drop casting an aqueous solution consisting of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), tannic acid (TA), and ethylene glycol (EG). The electrodes can exhibit a conductivity of 122 S cm-1 and a mechanical stretchability of 54%. Moreover, they are self-adhesive to not only dry skin but also wet skin. As a result, they can exhibit a lower contact impedance to skin than commercial Ag/AgCl gel electrodes on both dry and sweat skins. They can be used as dry epidermal electrodes to accurately detect biopotential signals including electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) on both dry and wet skins for the users at rest or during physical movement. This is the first time to demonstrate dry epidermal electrodes self-adhesive to wet skin for accurate biopotential detection.

Implant-supported provisional prosthesis facilitated the minor revision of occlusion and incisor exposure after orthognathic surgery of extended oligodontia in maxilla.

BACKGROUND: The congenital oligodontia in maxilla could result in a significant skeletal jaw malformation such as atrophic maxilla and severe skeletal class III malocclusion. Since there is no referable dentition in anterior maxilla, the orthognathic surgery and oral rehabilitation for those patients becomes more challenging and less predictable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We hereby present a new sequencing of interdisciplinary treatments, including calvarial bone grafting, installation of implant-supported provisional prosthesis, bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, and the final installation of dental implants and the fixed prosthesis. RESULTS: The facial esthetics and function of the permanent prosthesis were satisfactory, with a remarkable improvement in the maxillomandibular relation, adequate horizontal and vertical repositioning of the maxilla, and appropriate incisor exposure. CONCLUSION: Although more surgeries and longer treatment period may be required due to the interdisciplinary treatment plan, better aesthetic and functional outcomes may be acquired by this reported procedure in the long-term for young patients.

A Salt Stimulus-Responsive Nanohydrogel for Controlled Fishing Low-Density Lipoprotein with Superior Adsorption Capacity.

A salt-responsive nanoplatform is constructed through a simple tactic by tethering zwitterionic nanohydrogels (NGs) on a carboxylated silica (SiO2-COOH) framework. Chondroitin sulfate (CS), with a specific recognition effect for low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is modified to NGs by amidation reaction. Water retention and swelling properties of NGs are greatly enhanced in a saline environment attributed to the anti-polyelectrolyte effect. It endows the SiO2-NGs-CS framework a sensitive salt-responsive property, and thus, more CS moieties are exposed. The controlled adsorption of LDL with an adsorption efficiency of 7.2 to 93% is achieved by adjusting the concentration of MgCl2 from 0 to 0.1 mol L-1. SiO2-NGs-CS exhibits excellent adsorption capacity for fishing LDL, acquiring the highest adsorption capacity of 898.1 mg g-1. Moreover, SiO2-NGs-CS shows superior selectivity to the other three proteins with similar isoelectric points (pIs) to LDL. The captured LDL is readily stripped by 0.2% (m/m) SDS with a recovery of 95.4%. The superior separation performance of SiO2-NGs-CS is demonstrated by the isolation and selective discrimination of LDL from the simulated serum of hypercholesterolemia patients, as illustrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assays.

Chondroitin sulfate-enriched hierarchical multichannel polydopamine nanoparticles with ultrahigh sorption capacity for separation of low-density lipoprotein.

A hierarchical multichannel polydopamine (HMPDA) nanoparticle with ample chondroitin sulfate (CS) is fabricated via modification of the silane coupling agent (APTES), followed by grafting CS on the unique bicontinuous open channels of HMPDA through amidation reaction. The obtained nanoparticles with both mesopores and macropores, abbreviated as HMPDA-A-CS15, possess a total pore volume of 0.3398 cm3 g-1, and a large surface area up to 69.10 m2 g-1. The as-prepared HMPDA-A-CS15 exhibits significantly enhanced selectivity for the separation of LDL, which is attributed to the specific recognition effect of CS for LDL. Furthermore, the unique large open channels endow the HMPDA-A-CS15 nanoparticles with a gratifying sorption capacity (1015.2 mg g-1) for LDL adsorption. The captured LDL can be stripped using 0.5% (v/v) ammonia solution with the advantage of easy atomization in downstream mass spectrometry (MS) analyses, and a recovery of 71.7% is achieved. Moreover, HMPDA-A-CS15 is further employed in the enrichment of LDL, which can be separated from the complex serum of simulated hypercholesterolemia patients with a favorable adsorption performance, as illustrated by the SDS-PAGE technique.

Ultrasound-assisted continuous-flow synthesis of PEGylated MIL-101(Cr) nanoparticles for hematopoietic radioprotection.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are useful as drug delivery carriers with high loading capacity and excellent biocompatibility. We fabricated a new drug carrier based on MIL-101(Cr) environmentally and loaded it with 47.2 wt% WR-1065 (active metabolite of amifostine). Moreover, the permeability and stability of these nanoparticles increased after PEGylation by the N-hydroxysuccinimide active ester protocol. Then, a "green" continuous-flow system equipped with an ultrasound applicator was newly designed to prepare the nanoparticles under the effect of acoustic cavitation. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the large-scale process conditions with Box-Behnken design to obtain high space-time yield (5785 kg m-3 day-1). These less toxic MOFs nanoparticles increased cell viability by scavenging the accumulated reactive oxygen species and resisting DNA damage after irradiation. They are capable of mitigating radiation injury, achieving a 30-d survival rate of 90% in mice after lethal total body irradiation (8.0 Gy). This countermeasure significantly improved the peripheral blood cell count, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells frequency, and clonogenic function of hematopoietic progenitor cells. It probably prevents irradiation-induced hematopoietic damage through the p53-dependent apoptotic pathway. Therefore, ultrasound-assisted continuous-flow synthesis is a sustainable method to produce MOFs on a large scale for radioprotection.

Manganese waste water treatment by fungi derived from manganese slag.

The aim of this study was to isolate a mould from the surface of manganese slag which had strong resistance and high adsorption of Mn(2 + ), and to determine the effects of initial Mn(2 + ) concentration, incubation temperature, rotation speed and inoculation amount on adsorption of Mn(2 + ) from manganese waste water solution. The result showed that a mould (A5) which was isolated from manganese slag had the adsorption rate of Mn(2 + ) to 97.5% at the initial pH value 6, inoculation amount 2%, rotation speed 150 r/min, a concentration of Mn(2 + ) 500 mg/L, and a temperature of 28 degrees C cultivated for 50 h. As there is no research on adsorption of Mn(2 + ) from manganese waste water by fungi before, this research showed a theoretical guidance on this field.

Effects of nerve growth factor delivery via a gel to inferior alveolar nerve in mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a concern in mandible distraction osteogenesis (DO). We have previously demonstrated that repeated local injections of human nerve growth factor beta (NGF-beta) have significantly enhanced the histologic recovery of the IAN in a rabbit model of DO. This study was to further test the effect of a single injection of human NGF-beta delivered via a collagen/nanohydroxyapatite/kappa-carrageenan gel to the recovery of the IAN in DO. Rabbits underwent mandibular DO at a rate of 0.75 mm/12 h for 6 days. At the end of the distraction period, injections were performed near the IAN percutaneously as follows: group 1, human NGF-beta in the gel; group 2, human NGF-beta in saline; group 3, the gel alone; and group 4, saline alone. At 14 days after the end of distraction, IAN histologic findings and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated. Histologically, there were less myelin debris and more abundant regenerating nerve fibers in group 1 than the other groups. Both the myelinated fiber density and the myelinated axon area in group 1 were significantly higher than groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.01); the myelinated axon area in the group 1 was significantly higher than group 2 (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the delivery of human NGF-beta in the gel leads to a better acceleration of the IAN injury recovery over the saline delivery. It provides a possible way to enhance the recovery of nerve injuries in craniofacial DO clinically.

Colorimetric Immunosensor Based on Au@g-C3N4-Doped Spongelike 3D Network Cellulose Hydrogels for Detecting α-Fetoprotein.

A colorimetric immunoassay is a powerful tool for detecting tumor markers, with outstanding advantages of visualization and convenience. This study designed a colorimetric immunoassay using the antibody/antigen to control the catalytic activity to be "switched on/off". This system, where Au NPs (18.5 ± 3.9 nm) were loaded on the g-C3N4 nanosheets that were fixed in a three-dimensional porous cellulose hydrogel, was used as a binding site for the antibody/antigen. After being incubated with an antibody of a cancer marker, the turned-off catalytic sites on Au NPs in Au@g-C3N4/microcrystalline cellulose hydrogels would not be "turned on" until the corresponding antigen was added. The number of the recovered Au active sites was related to the amount of the antigen added. The Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements did not detect the existence of Au-S bonds. Catalyzed by the turned-on Au NPs, 4-nitrophenol was reduced to 4-aminophenol accompanied by a color fading. The color and the absorption spectrum changes in the process were used as the colorimetric quantitative basis for immunoassays. The colorimetric immunoassay showed a linear relationship with the liver cancer marker (α-fetoprotein, AFP) in the range of 0.1-10 000 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.46 ng/mL. In addition, 4-nitrophenol had a significant color fading when the AFP concentration exceeded the healthy human threshold. The clinical patient's serum test results obtained from the developed colorimetric immunosensor were consistent with those obtained from the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the immunosensor exhibited a good selectivity, repeatability, and stability, which demonstrated its potential for practical diagnostic application.

Course of the mandibular canal in hemifacial microsomia: a retrospective computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic course of the mandibular canal in patients with hemifacial microsomia (HM). STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study, 77 patients were included and stratified according to the Pruzansky-Kaban classification. The mandibular canal and the mandible were reconstructed on the basis of computed tomography data. The entrance, route, and exit of the mandibular canal (representing the entrance, route, and exit of the inferior alveolar nerve [IAN], respectively), and the antilingula were analyzed in different types of mandibular deformities in patients with HM. RESULTS: No significant difference in the course of the mandibular canal was detected between the affected and unaffected sides in patients with type I and type IIa HM. Abnormalities were observed in some patients with type IIb and type III HM. Significant differences were found between patients with type IIb and type III HM in the entrance (P = .015) and route (P = .001) of the canals. The antilingula was identified only in patients with type IIb and type III HM and was more common in patients with type III HM than in those with type IIb HM. CONCLUSIONS: Variation of the anatomic course of mandibular canal exists in patients with Pruzansky-Kaban type IIb and type III HM. Evaluation of the course of the canal in patients with HM is recommended before surgical intervention to avoid IAN damage.