Prophylactic therapy for prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molar: An overview of reviews.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effect of different prophylactic therapies on prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molars with different degree of impaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effect of different prophylactic therapies on prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molars were included. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews. AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate the confidence in results from the included reviews. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: Six reviews were included. A significant benefit of different antibiotics to the prevention of site infection after extraction of third molars was reported. Amoxicillin/amoxicillin clavulanic acid could significantly reduce the rate of surgical site infection versus placebo. Chlorhexidine gel could significantly reduce the frequency of alveolar osteitis versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the limited evidence, there is a significant benefit of prophylactic therapy while the comparative effect of different types of prophylactic regimes are controversial.

[Influence of paper mixing pads thickness on the compressive strength of glass ionomer cement].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of the thickness of mixed cardboard on the compressive strength of glass ionomer cement and the associated factors. METHODS: Three different types of glass ionomer cements were mixed on the top of 60, 40, 20 and 1 pieces of paper (P60, P40, P20 and P1), respectively. The compressive strength of the materials was tested after solidification, and the bubble rate was calculated with the assistance of scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: (1) Compressive strength: ① ChemFil Superior glass ionomer (CF): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was significantly different from that of P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.041 and 0.032 respectively); ② To Fuji IX GP glass ionomer (IX): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was statistically different from that of P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.042 and 0.038 respectively); ③ Glaslonomer FX-Ⅱ glass ionomer cement (FX): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was statistically different from that of P20, P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.031, 0.040 and 0.041 respectively), but there was no statistical difference among the other groups. All the three materials showed that the compressive strength of glass ions gradually increased with the decrease of the thickness of the blended paperboard, and the two materials had a highly linear negative correlation, the correlation coefficients of which were CF-0.927, IX-0.989, FX-0.892, respectively. (2) Scanning electron microscope: P1 group had the least bubbles among the three materials. CONCLUSION: It indicates that the thickness of mixed cardboard has a negative correlation with the compressive strength of glass ions. The thicker the mixed cardboard is, the greater the elasticity is. Excessive elasticity will accelerate the mixing speed when the grinding glass ions. Studies have shown that the faster the speed of artificial mixing is, the more bubbles is produced.The thicker ther mixed cardboard is, the more bubblesn are generated by glass ionomer cement, and the higher the compressive strength is. Using one piece of paper board to mix glass ionomer cement has the least bubbles and can obtain higher compressive strength.

[Treatment of orbital vascular malformations with intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization and resection in the treatment of orbital vascular malformations. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Patients with orbital vascular malformations diagnosed at the Ophthalmology Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021 were included and divided into exophthalmos group and non-exophthalmos group based on whether the patients had postural exophthalmos. Intralesional bleomycin injection and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization were performed. The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, the dosages of bleomycin and isobutyl cyanoacrylate glue, pathological results, imaging findings and remission rate were recorded and analyzed. The Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 58 patients (58 eyes)were included, and there were 22 males (37.9%)　and 36 females (62.1%). Nineteen (32.8%) patients had postural exophthalmos, and 39 (67.2%) patients did not suffer postural exophthalmos. The patient's age of the two groups was 39.0 (28.0, 54.5) years vs. 14.0 (5.7, 26.5) years, with a statistically significant difference (Z=-3.96, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in gender, eye laterality, follow-up time and the disease course between the two groups (all P>0.05). During the operation, the dosage of bleomycin was 15 000 (13 500, 15 000) U in the exophthalmos group, and 15 000 (9 000, 16 500) U in the non-exophthalmos group (Z=-0.70, P=0.944). The dosages of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue were 2.8 (1.0, 3.0) ml and 1.7 (1.0, 2.2) ml, respectively, in the two groups, with no significant difference (Z=-1.11, P=0.268). There was no visual impairment in both groups, while the visual acuity in 5 patients without postural exophthalmos was improved postoperatively. The imaging examination results showed no difference in the malformed vascular area before and after the treatment in the exophthalmos group [384.0 (329.0, 458.0) mm2 vs. 330.5 (271.6, 356.7) mm2; Z=-1.26, P=0.208], but a significantly decreased area after the treatment in the non-exophthalmos group [960.8 (822.1, 1058.3) mm2 vs. 311.6 (164.6, 361.6) mm2; Z=-2.67, P=0.008]. All patients had no obvious local or systemic adverse reactions during the follow-up. The pathology reports showed vascular malformations in all 15 specimens obtained from the exophthalmos group, as well as vascular malformations in 41.0% (16/39) of specimens and venous lymphatic malformations in 59.0% (23/39) of specimens from the non-exophthalmos group. Thirty-nine patients had complete remission (67.2%), 19 patients had partial remission (32.8%), and the effective treatment rate was 100%. Conclusion: Bleomycin lavage combined with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue embolization can achieve good therapeutic effects on orbital vascular malformations.

[Orbital cellulitis secondary to odontogenic superior maxillary sinus septum infection: a case report].

A 66-year-old woman presented with recurrent erythema, swelling and pain in her right eye. She had a history of extraction of the right upper second molar 5 months ago with subsequent development of an abscess which was incised and drained 4 months ago. Orbital CT scan revealed the formation of subperiosteal sinus cavity with an abscess in the right maxillary sinus and infraorbital foramen. The diagnosis was orbital honeycombing caused by odontogenic maxillary sinus septum infection. Utilizing the anterior lacrimal recess approach under nasal endoscope,incision and drainage of ocular abscess and debridement and drainage of right orbital abscess plus partial resection of the inner wall of the jaw were performed successfully with maxillary sinus septal drainage and maxillary sinus opening. The patient improved significantly after the operation.

Use of the supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Free flaps are widely used in maxillofacial reconstruction; however, this approach was not feasible in the current case. It was not possible because the free flap method requires microvascular anastomosis expertise, which is difficult, time-consuming and costly. CASE PRESENTATION: An 86-year-old woman suffered squamous cell carcinoma on the right side of her face, which resulted in a large soft-tissue defect. Here, we present a case of facial reconstruction from the inferior margin of the jaw to the top of the head. The size of the defect was 18.5 cm × 7.5 cm, which is rare for a patient of this age in the maxillofacial area. We used the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIFP) which measured 19.3 cm × 8.3 cm to repair the defect. After the operation, the flap survived without complications. Then, the patient was followed for 10 months and was satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results at the donor and recipient sites following the tumour resection. The tumour did not recur, and facial nerve function was preserved. CONCLUSION: Our results provide a new choice for the reconstruction of large defects of the head and face, and expand the potential applications of the SCAIFP.

[A novel tray for recording maxillomandibular relationship of edentulous patients based on dimensional surveying of complete dentures].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the dimensional data of complete dentures and to design a novel tray for recording maxillomandibular relationship of edentulous patients. METHODS: For the measurement, 100 pairs of complete dentures from the clinic were surveyed for the following parameters: a1, the distance between the middle fossa of the upper left and right first molars; a2, the anterior-posterior distance between the middle fossa of the upper first molars and the incisal edge; a3, the width of the upper denture; a4, the anterior-posterior length of the upper denture; a51, the height from the mesio-lingual cusp of the right upper first molar to the saddle surface; a52, the height from the central fossa of the right lower first molar to the saddle surface; a6, the height from the notch of the upper lip frenulum to the upper central incisor edge; a7, the least thickness of the labial saddle base in the upper central incisor region. Based on the data, the trays with different sizes were designed and fabricated, and the key parameters were: b1, the distance between the foramina of screw posts, b2, the anterior-posterior distance between the foramina of the screw posts and the incisal edge; b3, the width of the tray; b4, the anterior-posterior length of the tray; b51, the height of the posterior platform with the screw nut; b52, the height of the screw post; b6, the height of the anterior tray handle; b7, the thickness of the anterior tray handle. RESULTS: The minimum, average and maximum data for each parameter were (in millimeter): a1: 37.1, 44.5, and 59.6; a2: 22.6, 29.0, and 38.1; a3: 48.5, 58.2, and 76.6; a4: 37.4, 50.8, and 61.0; a51: 5.6, 9.5, and 14.7; a52: 3.8, 9.9, and 18.8; a6: 8.9, 16.6, and 24.7; a7: 1.2, 2.8, and 5.9. Based on the data, the trays in small, medium and large sizes were designed and fabricated. In clinical application, the putty silicone rubber impression material was used to reline the tray, meanwhile the posterior platform and anterior tray handle were set as the occlusal plane, then the screw posts were added and adjusted till the proper vertical dimension, after that, the putty silicone rubber impression material was added around the screw posts to record the horizontal maxillomandibular relationship, finally, the anterior surface of the tray handle was used to record the midline of the face and lower edge of the upper lip at rest and with smile. CONCLUSION: The dimensional data offered reference for the analysis of restoration space in edentulous patients. The tray designed and fabricated in this study may serve as a new tool for recording the maxillomandibular relationship.

Neurological symptoms in Hypophosphatasia.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) typically manifests with fractures, tooth loss, and muscle pain. Although mental health diagnoses and neurological symptoms have not been previously well documented in HPP, they occur commonly. The recognition of non-traditional symptoms may improve patient satisfaction, preempt costly evaluation and misdiagnosis, and lead to further treatment options. INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn error of metabolism due to deficiency of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). It is traditionally characterized by rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, along with fractures, tooth loss, and muscle pain. Neurological symptoms and mental health diagnoses have not been widely reported, and we therefore report their prevalence in a cohort of patients with HPP. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on a series of 82 HPP patients. Patient charts were reviewed to identify the possible presence and onset of 13 common neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Median age was 36 years (2 to 79). Seventeen had adult onset HPP (> 18 years) and 65 had pediatric onset HPP (< 18 years). Median time from symptom onset to HPP diagnosis was 8 years (0 to 67). Seventy-four percent had a family history of bone disease, while 17% had a family history of neurologic disease. Bone problems occurred in 89%, dental problems in 77%, and muscle problems in 66%. Fatigue occurred in 66%, headache in 61%, sleep disturbance in 51%, gait change in 44%, vertigo in 43%, depression in 39%, anxiety in 35%, neuropathy in 35%, and hearing loss in 33%. CONCLUSIONS: The extra-skeletal manifestations of HPP, specifically neurological symptoms, have not been previously well documented. However, mental health diagnoses and neurological symptoms such as headache and sleep disturbance occur commonly in patients with HPP. The recognition of non-traditional symptoms in HPP may improve patient satisfaction, preempt costly evaluation and misdiagnosis, and may lead to further treatment options.

[Influence of different mixing pads on physical and mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of different mixing pads on the physical and mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement. METHODS: Three different glass ionomer base cements were mixed with a plastic spatula on three different mixing pads including paper pad, glass pad and silicon pad whose HS were 40, 60 and 80. The GIC was packed into stainless steel molds to get specimens. Surface roughness, surface hardness and compressive strength were evaluated. RESULTS: As for compressive strength, CF: There was the highest mean compressive strength that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 group, paper 60 group and paper 20 group in silicon pad 40 group, the differences P values were 0.002, 0.027, and 0.036, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). IX: there was the highest mean compressive strength that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 group in paper pad 20 group,the differences P value was 0.008, statistically significant (P<0.05). FX: there was the highest mean compressive strength that was no significantly higher than those of paper pad 20 group in silicon pad 40 group, but was significantly higher than those of the other groups. As for surface hardness, CF: there was the highest mean surface hardness that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 and 80 group, paper 60 group in silicon pad 40 group, the differences P value was 0.021, 0.001, 0.032, 0.008 and 0.016, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). IX and FX: there was no statistical significance between any two groups in surface hardness. As for surface roughness, CF: there was no statistical significance between any two groups in surface roughness. IX: there was the lowest mean surface roughness that was significantly lower than those of paper pad 40 and 60 group in glass pad group, the differences P values were 0.003 and 0.027, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). FX: there was the lowest mean surface roughness that was significantly lower than those of paper pad 60 group in glass pad group, the differences P value was 0.018, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mixing glass ionomer cement on silicon pad 40 results in higher compressive strength and lower surface roughness, worthy of clinical popularization.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a preclinical practice of tooth preparation using digital training system: A randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preclinical training on ceramic crown preparation using digital training system compared with traditional training method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 66 participating fourth-year undergraduate dental students were randomly assigned to one of two groups for ceramic crown preparation: experimental group as trained using digital method with Online Peer-Review System (OPRS) and Real-time Dental Training and Evaluation System (RDTES); control group as trained using traditional method with instructor demonstration and evaluation. At the completion of training periods, both groups performed the preparation of ceramic crown of upper left central incisor, which were blindly scored by the experienced instructors under the pre-defined assessment criteria. The results of both were compared using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. The level of significance was P < .05. The questionnaires regarding the benefits or drawbacks of digital training system were answered by the students of experimental group. RESULTS: Five of 15 items in the assessment outcome of the digital group were significantly better than the traditional group. The questionnaire results from the students of the experimental group indicated 96.97% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that using digital training system could better improve the practical ability than traditional method. The total scores of practical results were significantly positively correlated with the points of the questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The digital training system with OPRS and RDTES might be a good alternative to the traditional training method in the preclinical course of dental practice.

[A multicenter, randomized, controlled, phase â £ clinical study of PEG-rhG-CSF for preventing chemotherapy induced neutropenia in patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycal recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in preventing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patiens with breast cancer. Methods: There were two parts in the present phase Ⅳ clinical study. One was a randomized, controlled clinical study. Patients in this study received PEG-rhG-CSF or rhG-CSF in the first cycle and followed with both PEG-rhG-CSF in the rest of 3 cycles. The other one was a single arm study. Patients who developed Ⅲ/Ⅳ grade neutropenia in the screening cycle received PEG-rhG-CSF in the rest of 3 cycles chemotherapy. Results: In the first cycle of randomized, controlled study, the incidence of Ⅳ grade neutropenia are 31.48% and 35.58% respectively in PEG-rhG-CSF and rhG-CSF group, with no statistically significant differences (P=0.527 6). The duration of Ⅳ grade neutropenia respectively are 2.22±1.58 and 3.00±1.59 days, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.016 6). In the single arm study, the incidence of Ⅳ grade neutropenia was 57.76% in screening cycle. And the incidence decreased to 16.35%, 10%, and 8.57% in the followed 3 cycle after the use of PEG-rhG-CSF. The incidence of adverse effects was 5.06%, and the major adverse effect was bone pain which with an incidence of 2.8%. Conclusion: The fixed 6mg dose of PEG-rhG-CSF can effectively prevent neutropenia in patients with breast cancer in multicycle chemotherapy and it has a low incidence of adverse events and mild adverse reaction.

Development of a smart, anti-water polyurethane polymer hair coating for style setting.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this work was to develop a novel polyurethane polymer coating for the surface of the hair that could be used for style setting via the shape memory effect (SME). The features of the films are in accordance with conventional hair styling methods used in the laboratory. METHODS: In this study, a new polyurethane polymer was synthesized; the morphology and mechanical behaviour of the coated hair were systematically investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an Instron 5566 (with a temperature oven). The SME of the hair was tested using a 35-g weight and over five washing and drying cycles. RESULTS: The experimental result shows that the polyurethane polymer has effects on the mechanical behaviour of the hair. It indicates that the fixed shape (at 22°C) and recover rate (at 60°C) of different casted thickness films are similar. And the stress of the film becomes larger with increasing film thickness. Furthermore, the shape memory ability could be endowed with the hair styling using this polymer; the hair fibre could recover to the 65% of its original shape after five cycle deformation by 35 g mass under the heat-treated condition; it could recover its original setting styling even after 5th water washing and drying. The SEM results indicated that the microsurface of the hair is coated with the polymer membrane; it contributes to the shape memory ability of the coated hair to keep and recover to the original setting styling. The styling hair can return to the original hair because the polyurethane polymer can be washed out by water with suitable strength and shampoo totally which does not leave any flake. CONCLUSION: The polyurethane polymer-based hair setting agent has been developed successfully, and it could be coated evenly on the human hair with good hand feeling and SMEs. The SME is highly related to the quantity of polyurethane polymer solution, and the effect could be improved by increasing the solution quantity. The maximum deformation of the coated hair could be recovered 94% at 75°C, once its shape is changed by an external force. The treated hair can withstand warm water rinsing for at least five cycles, and it can keep 65% of its original setting style after water rinsing. The polyurethane polymer could be totally removed by shampooing the hair and hot towel covering for 5-10 min. This research provides an effective way for the development of new intelligent shaping agents.

[Effect of root canal sealers on biocompatibility of human periodontal ligament cells].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of three root canal sealers with respect to time on biocompatibility of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs).The sealers included zinc oxide and eugenol based sealers (ZOE), epoxy resin sealers (ERS) and silicone based sealers (SBS). METHODS: hPDLCs were primarily cultured,with the method combining of tissue explant and enzymatic digestion. The cells were then exposed to different extract fluids: (1) ZOE extracted for 24 h group ;(2) ZOE extracted for 1 week group;(3)ZOE extracted for 2 weeks group;(4) ERS extracted after 24 h group; (5) ERS extracted after 1 week group; (6) ERS extracted after 2 weeks group; (7) SBS extracted after 24 h group; (8) SBS extracted after 1 week group; (9) SBS extracted after 2 weeks group; (10) Dulbecco modified Eagle's medium/F12 (DMEM/F12) as negative control group. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope.Cell proliferation was measured by methyl-thiazol-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. ALP assay kit was used for measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Sealers of 2 weeks' setting time were then immersed in an osteogenic medium for examination of mineral nodules and calcium deposits. RESULTS: Considering the relative growth rate(RGR),ZOE was severely to moderately cytotoxic(RGR:13.6%-39.9%), while ERS was slightly or not cytotoxic (RGR: 87.6%-95.3%).Only SBS did not show any cytotoxicity after setting (RGR: 91.8%-106.7%). The setting time influenced the cytotoxicity of ERS which decreased after 1 week. Considering the ALP activity,there was no difference between SBS group and control group (F=3.397,P=0.053). According to the results of calcium deposits, ZOE:D562 nm=0.180±0.050,ERS: D562 nm=2.968±0.201,SBS:D562 nm=3.623±0.039,Control:D562 nm=3.477±0.102,the ranking of ALP activity and calcium deposits was as follows: ZOE

[Clinical manifestations of 10 cases of imported human Zika virus disease in Jiangmen city of China].

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations and detection method for imported patients of Zika virus disease. Method: The records of symptoms, signs and laboratory results were collected and analyzed. The specimen of blood, saliva and urine from patients were collected. Results: Two of ten patients had mild fever. The visible cutaneous maculopapular rash of the trunk and extremities was observed in all patients. Seven patients were observed congestive conjunctivitis and only one patient gave an account of itching. No patient had symptoms of myalgia or arthralgia. The laboratory results of patients were normal except two patients had mild leucopenia and another one had thrombocytosis. The Zika virus RNA was detected in urine samples for a longest period. The detection rates of Zika virus RNA from the samples of blood, saliva and urine that collected in seventh day after disease onset were 0, 5, 8 cases, respectively. Conclosion: Epidemiology history, maculopapular rash, congestive conjunctivitis and Zika virus RNA being detected in urine can be considered as the important clinical criterion for making a definite diagnosis as Zika virus disease.

[Clinical outcomes of early repair for open orbital fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcomes following early repair for orbital fracture and soft tissue simultaneously for open orbital fractures. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study. This study comprised of 19 patients(20 eyes) with open orbital fracture who underwent surgery within 48 hours in the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University between August 2011 and August 2014. The wounds were evaluated at the same time and the surgical debridement was done. The surgical exposure was achieved through direct approach and auxiliary cosmetic incisions. Titanium mesh and plate was used for orbital reconstruction. Local flaps or island flaps were used for soft tissue repair. With the post-operative CT scan, the condition of the soft tissue which was herniated, the orbital rim and orbital wall were observed. The measurement of the exophthalmos of both eyes was performed using Hertel exophthalmometer. Compared with the intact eye, the globe displacement (upward or downward) of the reconstructed eye was measured. The follow up duration was 12-24 months. The eye movement, diplopia, restriction of mouth opening, depression of midface, the condition of soft tissue and scar as well as post-operative complications were recorded. Comparison of the reconstructed eye's globe displacement before and after operation were analyzed with wilcoxon signed ranks test. Comparison of the exophthalmos of the reconstructed eye relative to the intact eye were analyzed with t-paired test. RESULTS: In all 19 cases (20 eyes), fractures were anatomically reconstructed, and no cases of infection, titanium mesh and plate migration and rejection occured during the follow-up. Seven cases had eyeball hypoglobus with median 3.0 mm (min 2.0 mm, max 4.0 mm) pre-operatively. The Reconstructed eye globe were corrected in 6 cases and 1 case had residual hypoglobus of 1.0 mm ,median 0.0 mm (min 0.0 mm, max 1.0 mm). The amount of the eye globe displacement between pre-and post-operation was statistically significant(z=-2.40, P<0.05). Enophthalmos was corrected in 16 cases (the mean of posterior globe displacement in reconstructed orbit relative to intact orbit was less than or equal to 2.0mm), but in 2 patients the residual enophthalmos was 3.0 mm. The difference of the exophthalmos of both eyes was not obvious (t=-0.46,P>0.05). Among 20 eyes, 16 patients had restrictive eye movement. After 12 months follow-up, 13 eyes with restrictive eye movement were corrected while the other 3 showed improvement. Eight patients of restriction of mouth opening or midface depression were corrected and no infection complications were noted. There was no flap necrosis in 13 patients of soft tissue defect. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of open orbital fractures with simultaneous repair of orbital fracture and soft tissue within 48 hours after trauma could correct enophthalmos, hypoglobus and eye movement function effectively and improve periorbital aesthetics. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 273-277).

Physical properties and cellular responses to calcium phosphate coating produced by laser rapid forming on titanium.

In order to improve the surface bioactivity of titanium implants, CaCO3 and CaHPO4·2H2O powder was used to fabricate a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating using laser rapid forming (LRF) technology. The surface characterization showed that a porous and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) layer with small amount of alpha-TCP was formed on commercial pure titanium (Ti). The bonding strength between the coating and the Ti substrate was above 40.17 MPa measured by the means of pull-off test. The elastic modulus and the average microhardness of the coating were 117.61 GPa and 431.2 HV0.1, respectively. Through the static immersion test, it was proved that the coating could not only prevent the corrosion of Ti but also promote the redeposition of beta-TCP in artificial saliva. Osteoblasts possessed good attachment performance and strong proliferation ability on the surface of LRF coating (p < 0.05) in our cell experiments. This result demonstrated that the LRF coating could improve the surface cytocompatibility of titanium. Using scanning electron microscopy observation, it was found that osteoblasts grown on LRF coating formed multiple layers in pours. The result of reverse transcription PCR analysis demonstrated that the expressions of ITGß1 and BMP-2 were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated on the LRF coating in a time-dependent manner, compared with uncoated Ti. These findings suggested that the LRF technology might be a promising potential treatment for fabricating CaP coatings on titanium implants.

ENAM Mutations Can Cause Hypomaturation Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a diverse group of inherited diseases featured by various presentations of enamel malformations that are caused by disturbances at different stages of enamel formation. While hypoplastic AI suggests a thickness defect of enamel resulting from aberrations during the secretory stage of amelogenesis, hypomaturation AI indicates a deficiency of enamel mineralization and hardness established at the maturation stage. Mutations in ENAM, which encodes the largest enamel matrix protein, enamelin, have been demonstrated to cause generalized or local hypoplastic AI. Here, we characterized 2 AI families with disparate hypoplastic and hypomaturation enamel defects and identified 2 distinct indel mutations at the same location of ENAM, c588+1del and c.588+1dup. Minigene splicing assays demonstrated that they caused frameshifts and truncation of ENAM proteins, p.Asn197Ilefs*81 and p.Asn197Glufs*25, respectively. In situ hybridization of Enam on mouse mandibular incisors confirmed its restricted expression in secretory stage ameloblasts and suggested an indirect pathogenic mechanism underlying hypomaturation AI. In silico analyses indicated that these 2 truncated ENAMs might form amyloid structures and cause protein aggregation with themselves and with wild-type protein through the added aberrant region at their C-termini. Consistently, protein secretion assays demonstrated that the truncated proteins cannot be properly secreted and impede secretion of wild-type ENAM. Moreover, compared to the wild-type, overexpression of the mutant proteins significantly increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and upregulated the expression of unfolded protein response (UPR)-related genes and TNFRSF10B, a UPR-controlled proapoptotic gene. Caspase, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays further revealed that both truncated proteins, especially p.Asn197Ilefs*81, induced cell apoptosis and decreased cell survival, suggesting that the 2 ENAM mutations cause AI through ameloblast cell pathology and death rather than through a simple loss of function. This study demonstrates that an ENAM mutation can lead to generalized hypomaturation enamel defects and suggests proteinopathy as a potential pathogenesis for ENAM-associated AI.

Optical property study of FePt-C nanocomposite thin film for heat-assisted magnetic recording.

Optical properties of the FePt-C nanocomposite thin film that was synthesized by sputtering with MgO/NiTa underlayer on glass substrate have been determined by an approach combining spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission over the wavelength range of 380 - 1700 nm. It was observed that the refractive index is larger than the extinction coefficient, indicating that free electron absorption is not the dominant optical transition in the FePt-C thin film. Compared with FePt thin film, the FePt-C thin film has smaller optical constants, which lead to better optical performance including smaller optical spot on recording media and higher transducer efficiency for heat assisted magnetic recording.

Promotion of peri-implant bone healing by systemically administered parathyroid hormone (1-34) and zoledronic acid adsorbed onto the implant surface.

UNLABELLED: The effect of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH) and zoledronic acid (ZA) alone or in combination on bone healing in osteoporotic settings was tested using implants inserted in tibiae of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Combination therapy promoted bone healing more than each treatment alone 12 weeks after implant insertion. INTRODUCTION: PTH and ZA have been demonstrated to be effective on implant fixation. However, reports about the combined use of PTH and ZA for promotion of bone healing around implant in osteoporotic settings are still limited. This study aims to investigate effects of PTH+ZA on implant stabilization in OVX rats. METHODS: Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, OVX rats randomly received implants without or with ZA (by immersion in 1 mg/ml ZA solution for 24 h). Subsequently, half of the animals from each group also received subcutaneous injections of PTH (60 µg/kg, three times a week) for 12 weeks. Thus, there were four groups: control, PTH, ZA, and PTH+ZA. RESULTS: All treatments promoted bone healing around implant compared to control, but PTH+ZA treatment showed significantly stronger effects than PTH or ZA alone in histological, micro-CT, and biomechanical tests. CONCLUSION: The results indicated the additive effects of PTH and ZA on implant fixation in OVX rats; it was suggested that the anabolic effect of PTH was potent and not blunted by ZA during bone healing around implant when used concurrently.

[Application of osteoconductive substitute materials in pre-implantation alveolar site preservation].

In order to reduce bone resorption after tooth extraction and achieve the necessary soft and hard tissue augmentation, it is very important to adequately manage the tooth extraction site. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) before implantation helps to obtain predictable and satisfactory bone augmentation results. In this paper, the characteristics, histological studies, clinical applications and therapeutic effects of osteoconductive alternative materials in ARP are introduced, and related references are provided for their application in ARP.

Promotional Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanocrystal on Zirconia Abutment Surface for Soft Tissue Sealing.

Studies have confirmed that tooth loss is closely related to systemic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of tumors, and Alzheimer's disease. Among many methods for tooth restoration, implant restoration is the most commonly used method. After implantation, long-term stability of implants requires not only good bone bonding but also good soft tissue sealing between implants and surrounding soft tissues. The zirconia abutment is used in clinical implant restoration treatment, but due to the strong biological inertia of zirconia, it is difficult to form stable chemical or biological bonds with surrounding tissues. In this study, we investigated synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystal on the zirconia abutment surface by the hydrothermal method to make it more beneficial for soft tissue early sealing and the molecular mechanism. In vitro experiments found that different hydrothermal treatment temperatures affect the formation of ZnO crystals. The crystal diameter of ZnO changes from micron to nanometer at different temperatures, and the crystal morphology also changes. In vitro, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction results show that ZnO nanocrystal can promote the attachment and proliferation of oral epithelial cells on the surface of zirconia by promoting the binding of laminin 332 and integrin ß4, regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vivo, ZnO nanocrystal ultimately promotes the formation of soft tissue seals. Collectively, ZnO nanocrystal can be synthesized on a zirconia surface by hydrothermal treatment. It can help to form a seal between the implant abutment and surrounding soft tissue. This method is beneficial to the long-term stability of the implant and also can be applied to other medical fields.