Assessing the Quality of Life in Patients With Dentofacial Deformities Before and After Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effect of health-related quality of life (QoL) among patients with dentofacial deformities who underwent orthognathic surgery compared with a control group without dentofacial deformities by use of generic oral health and condition-specific approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 2 questionnaires were administered to 85 patients (31 male and 54 female patients) who were evaluated before undergoing orthognathic surgery. The Short Form Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-14) and the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) were administered before and 5 to 7 months after orthognathic surgery. The control group comprised 96 young university student volunteers without dentofacial deformities. RESULTS: The questionnaires were collected 5 to 7 months after surgery. The preoperative scores of the patients and the control group were contrasted separately. The respondents' postoperative OHIP-14 and OQLQ scores were significantly lower (P < .001 for total scores). The preoperative OQLQ scores for all domains were significantly higher among the patients than among the controls (P < .001 for total scores), whereas the total scores and 3 subscale scores of the OHIP-14 in the functional and psychological domains were significantly higher among the patients than among the controls (P < .05 for total scores). The preoperative and postoperative OQLQ total scores were remarkably different between male and female patients (P < .05). The postoperative OQLQ total scores were considerably higher in older patients than in younger patients (P < .05). All patients in the Class III group who underwent double-jaw surgery showed remarkable changes after surgery (P < .001 for total scores). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dentofacial deformities had a poorer QoL compared with the healthy population, especially in functional and psychological aspects. Orthognathic surgery had a significant positive impact on QoL. Patients with Class III malocclusion who underwent double-jaw surgery seemingly benefitted the most after surgery.

iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite in response to the antifouling compound meleagrin.

Marine biofouling refers to the unwanted accumulation of fouling organisms, such as barnacles, on artificial surfaces, resulting in severe consequences for marine industries. Meleagrin is a potential nontoxic antifoulant that is isolated from the fungus Penicillium sp.; however, its mechanistic effect mode of action on larval settlement remains unknown. Here, we applied iTRAQ coupled with 2D LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis to investigate the effect of meleagrin on the proteomic expression profile of cyprid development and aging in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite . Fifty proteins were differentially expressed in response to treatment with meleagrin, among which 26 proteins were associated with cyprid development/aging and 24 were specifically associated with the meleagrin treatment. The 66 proteins that were associated with aging only remained unaltered during exposure to meleagrin. Using KEGG analysis, those proteins were assigned to several groups, including metabolic pathways, ECM-receptor interactions, and the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Among the 24 proteins that were not related to the development/aging process, expression of the cyprid major protein (CMP), a vitellogenin-like protein, increased after the meleagrin treatment, which suggested that meleagrin might affect the endocrine system and prevent the larval molting cycle. With the exception of the chitin binding protein that mediates the molting process and ATPase-mediated energy processes, the majority of proteins with significant effects in previous studies in response to cyprid treatment with butenolide and polyether B remained unchanged in the present study, suggesting that meleagrin may exhibit a different mechanism.

Do women's natural hormonal fluctuations modulate prosociality? A within-subject analysis.

Prosocial behavior is central to functional societies. While studies have shown that the administration of exogenous hormones modulates prosocial propensities, it remains unclear whether natural hormonal fluctuations track women's prosocial behavior. In this study, we investigated the relationships between women's natural salivary steroid hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and their prosociality in a variety of contexts, as measured by three behavioral tasks (Charitable Donation, Social Value Orientation, and Social Discounting tasks) and one self-reported questionnaire (the Prosocial Tendencies Measure). Participants completed five weekly laboratory tests to obtain within-subject hormonal fluctuation data and prosociality measurements. In a pre-registered analysis, we found little evidence supporting the hypotheses that women's prosociality tracked natural changes in salivary estradiol, progesterone, estradiol-to-progesterone ratio, or testosterone. Our results demonstrate the importance of performing within-subject analyses when examining the relationships between hormonal levels and social behavior.

Experimental Study on the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1-Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets to Promote Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to increase the concentration of genetically modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the distraction osteogenesis (DO) interstitial space and induce the conversion of BMSCs to osteoblasts to improve the osteogenic efficiency in DO and shorten the treatment period. METHODS: Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP-1) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene-modified cell sheets of BMSCs were constructed by tissue engineering. Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: group A (the blank control group), group B (the GFP group) with the injection of GFP gene-modified BMSC sheets into the DO gap, and group C (the BMP-1 group) with the injection of BMP-1 gene-modified BMSC sheets into the DO gap. Rabbits in all three groups were distracted for 5 days at a distraction rate of 2.0 mm/d, once/day. After distraction, the above-mentioned cell sheet suspension was injected into the distraction gap to observe osteogenesis, which was observed by gross specimen observation, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) scanning, and histomorphology. RESULTS: The gross specimen observation showed that all animals had smooth and continuous bone cortex in the distraction region with relatively high hardness. The osteogenesis quality or hardness was ranked from the highest to the lowest, as Group C > Group B > Group A. Micro-CT and histomorphological observation revealed that group C had better maturation and bone volume of the new bone in the DO region at weeks 3 and 6 than groups B and A. CONCLUSION: BMP-1 gene-modified BMSC sheets could effectively promote the formation of new bone during rapid DO in the mandible, compensating for the poor osteogenesis caused by rapid distraction and providing a new approach to shorten the DO treatment period in clinical practice.

Accurate reconstruction of discontinuous mandible using a reverse engineering/computer-aided design/rapid prototyping technique: a preliminary clinical study.

PURPOSE: To improve the reconstructive surgical outcome of a discontinuous mandibular defect, we used reverse engineering (RE), computer-aided design (CAD), and rapid prototyping (RP) technique to fabricate customized mandibular trays to precisely restore the mandibular defects. Autogenous bone grafting was also used to restore the bony continuity for occlusion rehabilitation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients who had undergone block resection of the mandible underwent reconstruction using a custom titanium tray combining autogenous iliac grafts. The custom titanium tray was made using a RE/CAD/RP technique. A virtual 3-dimensional model was obtained by spiral computed tomography scanning. The opposite side of the mandible was mirrored to cover the defect area to restore excellent facial symmetry. A bone grafting tray was designed from the mirrored image and manufactured using RP processing and casting. The mandibular defects were restored using the trays in combination of autologous iliac grafting. An implant denture was made for 1 of the 6 patients at 24 weeks postoperatively for occlusion rehabilitation. RESULTS: The trays fabricated using this technique fit well in all 6 patients. The reconstructive procedures were easy and time saving. Satisfactory facial symmetry was restored. No severe complications occurred in the 5 patients without occlusion rehabilitation during a mean 50-month follow-up period. The reconstruction in the patient with occlusion lasted for only 1 year and failed eventually because of bone resorption and infection. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular reconstruction was facilitated using the RE/CAD/RP technique. Satisfactory esthetic results were achieved. However, the rigidity of the cast tray could cause severe stress shielding to the grafts, which could lead to disuse atrophy. Therefore, some modification is needed for functional reconstruction.

Le Fort I osteotomy for extensive juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, nonencapsulated, benign neoplasm typically diagnosed in adolescent boys. Surgery is the usual treatment modality for JNA. The optimal surgical procedure should allow maximal exposure of the tumor for complete excision with minimum morbidity. One possible surgical approach is Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the Le Fort I osteotomy and to investigate the feasibility of this approach for extensive JNA invaded into pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients who had undergone JNA resection via the Le Fort I osteotomy approach from July 2000 to September 2007, considering tumor location and size, complications, and tumor recurrence associated with the surgical approach. RESULTS: Six patients of JNA (all boys; mean age, 15.5 years) were identified through the chart review. All the angiofibromas had extended into the pterygomaxillary space and infratemporal fossa. The mean follow-up for this cohort was 50.1 months. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted, except for slight diplopia in one patient due to injury of the left medial rectus muscle. There were no cases of tumor recurrence that could be attributed to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that the Le Fort I osteotomy approach is a useful technique for the removal of extensive JNA invaded into pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. It has distinct advantages over traditional anterior or lateral approaches, providing a more direct vision, improved exposure, and cosmesis.

Targeted delivery of anti-miR-155 by functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is an oncogenic microRNA, which is upregulated in many human cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Overexpression of miR-155 has been found to regulate several cancer-related pathways, and therefore, targeting miR-155 may be an effective strategy for cancer therapy. However, effective and safe delivery of anti-miR-155 to tumors remains challenging for the clinical applications of anti-miR-155-based therapeutics. METHODS: In this study, we explored the expression of miR-155 and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in CRC tissues and cell lines, and the possible relationship between miR-155 and NF-κB. We further report on anti-miR-155-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) modified with polymerized dopamine (PDA) and AS1411 aptamer (MSNs-anti-miR-155@PDA-Apt) for the targeted treatment of CRC. RESULTS: Results showed that miR-155 is overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines, and there is a positive feedback loop between NF-κB and miR-155. Compared to the control groups, MSNs-anti-miR-155@PDA-Apt could efficiently downregulate miR-155 expression in SW480 cells and achieve significantly high targeting efficiency and enhanced therapeutic effects in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-155 by MSNs-anti-miR-155@PDA-Apt can enhance the sensitivity of SW480 to 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Thus, our results suggested that MSNs-anti-miR-155@PDA-Apt is a promising nanoformulation for CRC treatment.

EpCAM aptamer-functionalized polydopamine-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with DM1 for targeted therapy in colorectal cancer.

DM1, a maytansine derivative, is a highly potential cytotoxic agent but with severe side effects; therefore, its application in clinical cancer therapy is limited. Here, in order to mitigate this intrinsic drawback of DM1, we developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with DM1 and surface-decorated with hydrochloride dopamine (PDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer (APt) for the targeted treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this system, the PDA coating could be used as pH-sensitive gatekeepers to control the release of DM1 from MSNs in response to the pH stimulus and EpCAM APt-guided active targeting enables the increased delivery of DM1 to CRC as well as a reduction in toxicity and side effects by minimizing the exposure of normal tissues to DM1. Results demonstrated that DM1 inhibited the formation of microtubules and induced apoptosis in tumor cells via caspase signaling. In comparison with the control groups, the MSNs-DM1@PDA-PEG-APt bioconjugates exhibited increased binding ability and much higher cytotoxicity to the CRC SW480 cell line. Furthermore, in vivo assays confirmed the advantages of such a strategy. These findings suggested that MSNs-DM1@PDA-PEG-APt could represent a promising therapeutic platform for EpCAM-positive CRC.

Use of a new curvilinear distractor to repair mandibular defects in dogs.

We have investigated the feasibility of using a new curvilinear distractor to repair mandibular defects in 6 mature male dogs. A mandibular defect was created by an oblique osteotomy between the distal planes of the bilateral second premolars, and a transport disc 10mm wide was made. After a 7-day latency period, distraction was activated at 0.5mm/12h and consolidation lasted for 6 or 12 weeks. Three dogs were killed after 6 and 12 weeks' consolidation for gross, radiographic, and histological observations to be made. Curvilinear distraction osteogenesis was successful in 5/6 animals. At both time points smooth curved bone had been restored in the distracted areas, and radiographic and histological examination showed that the generated bone was similar to normal bone after 12 weeks' consolidation. These results suggest that the curvilinear distractor could complete curvilinear distraction osteogenesis in dogs' mandibles.

Modified internal mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of micrognathia secondary to temporomandibular joint ankylosis: 4-year follow-up of a case.

Micrognathia and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are problems subsequent to temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJa) in growing patients. For patients with micrognathia and OSAS secondary to TMJa, it is important to restore proper mandibular form and dimension, achieve occlusal stability and recover satisfactory joint movement. We report a 4-year follow-up of a patient with micrognathia and OSAS secondary to bilateral TMJa. The treatment of this patient involved (1) a modified internal mandibular distraction osteogenesis without altering the pre-existing occlusion; (2) TMJ arthroplasty in which the dislocated disc was found and repositioned and the shape of the glenoid fossa and articular head was formed without removing bone in vertical dimension; (3) passive mouth-opening exercise with an individualized occlusal pad postoperatively for one month; and (4) orthodontic treatment for the occlusal disturbance and active mouth-opening exercise for one year. After the treatment the micrognathia was corrected; the oropharyngeal airway was increased significantly; mouth-opening increased to 40mm intraoperatively was maintained at 36.66mm 4 years after surgery. Satisfactory occlusion was achieved after orthodontic treatment. Through the 4-year follow-up, no signs of reankylosis were found. In conclusion, this new clinical protocol is a safe, effective and quick way to treat micrognathia and OSAS secondary to TMJa.

[Reconstruction of mandibular bone defects using three-dimensional skull model and individualized titanium prosthetics from computer assisted design].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of reconstruction of mandibular bone defects using three-dimensional skull model and individualized titanium prosthetics from computer assisted design. METHODS: Between July 2002 and November 2009, 9 patients with mandibular defects accepted restorative operation using individualized bone prosthetics. Among 9 cases, 4 were male and 5 were female, aged 19-55 years. The causes of mandibulectomy were benign lesions in 8 patients and carcinoma of gingival in 1 patient. Mandibular defects exceeded midline in 2 cases, involved condylar in 4 cases, and was limited in one side without involvement of temporo-mandibular joint in 3 cases. The range of bone defects was 9.0 cm x 2.5 cm-17.0 cm x 2.5 cm. The preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and three-dimensional skull model was obtained. Titanium prosthetics of mandibular defects were designed and fabricated through multi-step procedure of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping. Titanium prosthetics were used for one-stage repair of mandibular bone defects, then two-stage implant denture was performed after 6 months. RESULTS: The individualized titanium prosthetics were inserted smoothly with one-stage operative time of 10-23 minutes. All the cases achieved incision healing by first intention and the oblique mandibular movement was corrected. They all got satisfactory face, had satisfactory contour and good occlusion. In two-stage operation, no loosening of the implants was observed and the abutments were in good position with corresponding teeth which were designed ideally before operation. All cases got satisfactory results after 1-9 years of follow-up. At last follow-up, X-ray examinations showed no loosening of implants with symmetry contour. CONCLUSION: Computer assisted design and three-dimensional skull model techniques could accomplish the design and manufacture of individualized prosthetic for the repair of mandibular bone defects.

Correction of hemifacial microsomia with the help of mirror imaging and a rapid prototyping technique: case report.

A 23-year-old man presented with an 8-year history of unilateral hemifacial microsomia. A three-dimensional model of the maxillofacial bones was generated after acquisition of helical computed tomographic data. A customised implant model was designed by projecting a mirror image of the healthy mandible on to the three-dimensional model. A resin model of the implant was then made using a rapid prototyping machine. A polymeric biomaterial was sculpted according to the model and implanted into the affected side of the mandible to restore his facial symmetry. The hemifacial microsomia was corrected and a symmetrical facial contour obtained. No complications developed during the 6-year follow-up.

Dentists' role in treating facial injuries sustained in the 2008 earthquake in China: how dental professionals can contribute to emergency response.

BACKGROUND: A major earthquake struck Sichuan province, China, on May 12, 2008, and the authors were involved in the medical response to the disaster in Jiangyou City, an area hard-hit by the quake. In this article, they analyze data about the earthquake-related facial injuries and assess dentistry's role in treating them. METHODS: This descriptive study included review of medical records for 4,582 patients with earthquake-related trauma at eight hospitals in Jiangyou, a city severely affected by the earthquake, for the day of the disaster and the 14 days immediately afterward. RESULTS: Of the 4,582 patients, 408 (8.9 percent) sustained a total of 482 facial injuries. The dental team treated patients with facial injuries and others who needed care. CONCLUSIONS: Facial injuries constitute a significant portion of earthquake-related trauma, and dentists therefore are an important part of the medical team that deals with such trauma. Dentists are a reliable force in the medical response to earthquakes and other disasters. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The dental team should play an important role in disaster response. Establishing oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS)/dentist reserves and active leagues that use OMSs' and general dentists' offices as bases can help improve disaster response.

[The preparation of series of the controllable degradation coral-hydroxyapatite (SCHA-200R) and the on its application as the scaffold in bone tissue-engineering].

OBJECTIVE: Fabricate series of the controllable degradation coral-hydroxyapatite. METHODS: The natural coral undergo a chemical reaction with (NH4)2 HPO4 at high temperature and pressure for different time-lengths. After getting the products, the components and the special structures were analyzed. Observe the biologic degradation of the reaction products and analyze the metal elements and their contents. Haemolysis tests, cytotoxity tests and bone compatibility tests were performed to assess the biocompatibility of the products. RESULTS: When hydrothermal reactions happened under different conditions, the different gradients of CaCO3/hydroxyapatite materials were produced. These types of materials kept the characteristic of interconnected micro-porous network structures. A thin layer of compact material can be seen on the surface of its trabecula ultra-micro structure. The SCHA-200R has a good biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: Gradient HA (SCHA-200R) materials can be formed by adjusting the same temperature, same pressure and different time-length of the reaction. This kind of gradient material keeps the quality of micro-porous network structures. The SCHA-200R is a potential candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

[Individual digital design and functional reconstruction of large mandibular defect with computer-aided design/computer aided manufacture technique].

OBJECTIVE: To build up a new contour and functional reconstruction technique of mandibular defects with rapid prototyping and reverse engineering technique. METHODS: From April 2002 to August 2004, 4 cases of mandibular defects due to resection of large mandible lesion were treated. Of 4 patients, there were 3 females and 1 male, with an age range of 21-42 years, which underwent secondary operation and presented a deviation as mandibular movement. The opening-mouth extent was 1.8-2.5 cm (2.2 cm on average). The data of defects area were renewed with Mimics and Geomagic Studio software; and the titanium reconstructive frame was designed and manufactured with rapid prototyping technique. Defect were reconstructed by using CT digital data of patients. RESULTS: The CT data could be used by image software directly. The implant design could be completed by computer-aimed design (CAD) / computer-aided manufacture (CAM). The resin model and titanium frame were manufactured accurately by RP technique. Four patients achieved one stage healing. After a follow-up of 3 months to 2 years, large mandibular defect was reconstructed satisfactorily and the opening-mouth extent was 3.0-3.4 cm (3.2 cm on average). The occluding relation was normal. The implant denture was put on and the mastication function was good in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Individual design and repair of large mandibular defect with CAD/CAM techniques is worth extending application clinically. It is a simple and accurate method.

[Application of different flaps in immediate reconstruction of maxillary defect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method and clinical effect of temporal fascia flap, free forearm flap, free iliac bone transfer and immediate implant on reconstruction of maxillary defect. METHODS: From February 1999 to July 2002, 8 cases of maxillary defects due to excision of cancer were repaired immediately with temporal fascia flap, free forearm flap, free iliac bone transfer and implant. Out of 8 patients, there were 6 males and 2 females, aged 32-49 years, with a disease course of 3 months to 2 years. RESULTS: Free iliac bone and forearm flap survived in all 8 cases. Osseo-integration could be seen and the implants could be used for denture repair and chew function. After 6-12 months, X-ray examination showed iliac bone healing; facial shape and functional restoration were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Temporal fascia flap, free forearm flap, free iliac bone transfer and immediate implant is an ideal method to repair maxillary defect immediately and reconstruct its function.

[Reconstruction [correction to Reconstrction] of mandibular bone defects by using the techniques [correction to teachniques] of the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of designing and fabricating customized titanium bone substitutes to restore mandibular bone defects using reverse engineering (RE) and rapid prototyping (RP) techniques. METHODS: Titanium tray for mandibular defects were designed and fabricated through multi-step procedures of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, then in operation it was filled with cancellous bone and fixed. RESULTS: The bone substitutes fabricated by this method had been successfully put into clinical use for maxillofacial surgery in 2 patients and got a satisfactory result. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse engineering combining with rapid prototyping could accomplish the design and manufacture of implant for the restoration of mandibular bone defects.