Dietary factors in relation to the risk of cognitive impairment and physical frailty in Chinese older adults: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the independent associations of dietary factors with cognitive impairment (CI) and physical frailty (PF) among Chinese older adults. METHODS: This study included 10,734 participants (mean age = 78.7 years) free of CI and PF at baseline from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey. Dietary intake was collected using a simplified food frequency questionnaire every 3-4 years. The Chinese version Mini-Mental State Examination was used to assess cognition function, participants with a score below 18 were defined as CI. PF was defined using the activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and functional limitation-related questions. The outcome was defined as the first onset of either CI or PF. Competing risk models were used to estimate the corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: During the study follow-up (mean = 8.1 years), a total of 1220 CI cases and 1451 PF cases were newly identified. Higher frequency of fruits intake was associated with a lower hazard of CI (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.97), whereas higher intake of preserved vegetables demonstrated an opposite association (HR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.42). In terms of PF, we observed a lower risk associated with higher meat and poultry intake (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.61-0.88). In particular, a significant protective association of fish and aquatic products intake with PF was observed among participants with ≥ 28 natural teeth (HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.99). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest divergent roles of major dietary factors in the development of CI and PF among Chinese older adults.

Long-term follow-up after the treatment of impacted canines in the maxilla causing severe root resorption of the lateral incisors: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Root resorption of adjacent teeth due to impacted canines is common, and orthodontic treatment often leads to secondary resorption or even loss of adjacent roots. Clinical reports of long-term stability after treatment are rare. CASE PRESENTATION: This study reports two cases of maxillary impacted canines resulting in severe root resorption of the adjacent lateral incisors. Surgical exposure, orthodontic retraction, and alignment of the impacted canines were successful in both cases, and the resorbed lateral incisors were stable with no significant loosening and normal pulp vitality after treatment and at the 5- and 10-year follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Light orthodontic force may be used to move adjacent teeth with root resorption due to tooth obstruction. The path and direction in which the teeth are moved must be specifically designed so that the adjacent roots are not resorbed and so long-term stability can be achieved.

Retracted: Dynamic Evaluation of Orthodontically-Induced Tooth Movement, Root Resorption, and Alveolar Bone Remodeling in Rats by in Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography.

This publication has been retracted by the Editor due to the identification of non-original figure images and manuscript content that raise concerns regarding the credibility and originality of the study and the manuscript. Reference: Jianping Zhou, Fengxue Yang, Xiaolin Xu, Gang Feng, Jun Chen, Jinglin Song, Hongwei Dai. Dynamic Evaluation of Orthodontically-Induced Tooth Movement, Root Resorption, and Alveolar Bone Remodeling in Rats by in Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography. Med Sci Monit, 2018; 24: 8306-8314. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.912470.

Polydopamine-Encapsulated Perfluorocarbon for Ultrasound Contrast Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

Biomedical nanoplatforms have been widely investigated for ultrasound (US) imaging and cancer therapy. Herein, perfluorocarbon (PFC) is encapsulated into biocompatible polydopamine (PDA) to form a theranostic nanosystem, followed by the modification of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to stabilize the nanoparticle via a facile one-pot method. Under 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation, PDA can generate hyperthermia to transform PFC droplets to bubbles with high US imaging sensitivity. The US imaging detection of the PFC-PDA-PEG nanosystem is achievable in a time span of up to 25 min in vitro at a low US frequency and mechanical index, manifesting a US imaging performance for in vivo application. Moreover, tumor cells incubated with the nanosystem are ablated effectively under laser irradiation at 808 nm. The results illustrate the potential of the PDA-based theranostic agent in US imaging-guided photothermal therapy of tumor.

Clival screw and plate fixation by the transoral approach for the craniovertebral junction: a CT-based feasibility study.

PURPOSE: A clivus screw and plate was invented and proved to strengthen the stability of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). However, it is unclear whether the clivus screw and plate could be placed onto the CVJ by transoral approach. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the feasibility of clivus screw and plate placement by transoral approach and investigate its relative anatomic parameters. METHODS: A total of 80 normal adults (40 males/40 females) with an average age of 60.4 ± 11.6 years old were enrolled in this study. All parameters were measured in a supposed maximums mouth-opening status on computed tomography images, where the vertex of lower incisor was defined as Point A. The vertical intersection from Point A to extracranial clivus was defined as Point B, and its distance to the bottom of clivus was measured as B length. Point B was considered as ideal screw entry point. All the cases were divided into three types based on the location of Point B: above the top portion (Type 1), between the top and bottom portion (Type 2), and below the bottom portion (Type 3) of extracranial clivus. The B Length was defined as a minus value if the case belonged to Type 3. The anterior skull base angle, the angles between tangent of extracranial clivus and the lines from Point A to different parts of clivus, and distances between Point A and clivus and C1-3 vertebra were also measured. RESULTS: One in eighty cases (1.2%) belonged to Type 1 with a B Length of 32.12 mm. Most cases (61.3%) were Type 2 with a B Length of 8.7 mm, while Type 3's was - 9.7 mm occupying for 37.5%. Significant statistic differences were found in anterior skull base angle between these three types (128.9°, 122.7° and 118.5° for Type 1, 2 and 3, respectively). The distances from Point A to the top and bottom portion of the clivus and the pharyngeal tubercle were 97.5, 96.0 and 96.8 mm, respectively. The angles between the tangent of the clivus and the lines from Point A to the above three structures were 75.7°, 92.3° and 84.0°, respectively. The distances from Point A to the middle point of anterior margin of C1 anterior tubercle, C2 vertebra and C3 vertebra were 79.1, 73.4 and 61.5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The clivus screw and plate placement could be accomplished with optimal screw angle by transoral approach in most of patients. Mandibular splitting would be needed in patients with greater anterior skull angle. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Dynamic Evaluation of Orthodontically-Induced Tooth Movement, Root Resorption, and Alveolar Bone Remodeling in Rats by in Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to dynamically evaluate tooth movement, root resorption, and remodeling of alveolar bone using different forces to cause tooth movement in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) coil springs (20 g, 50 g, and 100 g forces) were placed for mesial movement of the left first maxillary molar teeth. Tooth movement, root resorption, and microarchitectural parameters of the trabecular bone were evaluated by in vivo micro-CT. Histological examination was used to observe the root resorption, alveolar bone remodeling, and changes in osteoclasts from day 0 to day 14. RESULTS The tooth movement distance increased significantly over the initial 3 days in the 3 groups. The 20 g force group showed more tooth movement than in the 50 and 100 g force groups after 14 days (P<0.05). From days 7 to 10, root resorption lacunae appeared in the 3 groups and then stabilized, and the 100 g force group produced more lacunar resorption than in the anther 2 groups (P<0.05). Compared to day 0, the trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction on the pressure side gradually decreased from day 7 to day 14. The structure model index increased significantly from day 3 to day 14. Histological examination showed remarkable root resorption craters and osteoclasts positive for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the root resorption lacunae in the 50 g and 100 g groups from day 7 to day 14. CONCLUSIONS A 100 g heavy force can be used to establish a root resorption model in rats.

Maduramicin-guided nanotherapy: A polymeric micelles for targeted drug delivery in canine mammary tumors.

Canine mammary tumors (CMT) can severely compromise the life quality of the affected dogs through local recurrence, distant metastases and ultimately succumb to death. Recently, more attention has been given to the potential antimetastatic effect of maduramicin (MAD) on breast cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility and toxicity to normal tissues limit its clinical application. Therefore, to address the drawbacks of MAD and enhance its anticancer and antimetastatic effects, MAD-loaded TPGS polymeric micelles (MAD-TPGS) were prepared by a thin-film hydration technique. The optimized MAD-TPGS exhibited excellent size distribution, stability and improved water solubility. Cellular uptake assays showed that TPGS polymer micelles could enhance drug internalization. Moreover, TPGS synergistically improved the cytotoxicity of MAD by targeting mitochondrial organelles, improving reactive oxygen species levels and reducing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. More importantly, MAD-TPGS significantly impeded the metastasis of tumor cells. In vivo results further confirmed that, in addition to exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, MAD-TPGS exhibited greater antitumor efficacy than free MAD. Interestingly, MAD-TPGS displayed superior suppression of CMT metastasis via tail vein injection compared to oral administration, indicating its suitability for intravenous delivery. Overall, MAD-TPGS could be applied as a potential antimetastatic cancer agent for CMT.

Nano-encapsulation of halofuginone hydrobromide enhances anticoccidial activity against Eimeria tenella in chickens.

Coccidiosis is a worldwide epidemic intestinal disease with high incidence, which causes huge economic losses. Halofuginone hydrobromide (HF) is widely applied as an effective anticoccidial drug in the poultry industry. However, its therapeutic efficacy is severely restrained due to toxic effects, poor aqueous solubility and low permeability. Nanotechnology can improve the biological effect of drugs, and thus, reduce administered doses and toxic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic and preventive potential of novel HF-loaded D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) polymer micelles (HTPM) for preventing coccidiosis in chickens. The HTPM were approximately spherical with a hydrodynamic diameter of 12.65 ± 0.089 nm, a zeta potential of 8.03 ± 0.242 mV, a drug loading of 14.04 ± 0.12%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 71.1 ± 4.15%. HF was encapsulated in the polymer micelles through interactions with TPGS, as characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Cellular take up assays showed that TPGS polymer micelles could enhance drug internalization to alleviate intestinal apoptosis induced by coccidiosis and promote the necrosis of second-generation merozoites of E. tenella. Notably, clinical trials proved that 1.5 mg L-1 HTPM had a stronger anticoccidial effect on E. tenella than that of 3 mg kg-1 HF premix. Amplicon sequencing identified that HTPM could alleviate coccidiosis by restoring the structure of the gut microbiome. These findings indicated that the anticoccidial efficacy of HF was significantly enhanced after being encapsulated in polymer micelles, and further demonstrated the potential protective application of nano-encapsulating anticoccidial drugs as a promising approach to control coccidiosis in poultry. In summary, HTPM hold huge potential as an effective therapeutic agent for coccidiosis.

Enteric and hydrophilic polymers enhance dissolution and absorption of poorly soluble acidic drugs based on micro-environmental pH-modifying solid dispersion.

The oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is often inadequate for the desired therapeutic effect. Micro-environmental pH-modifying solid dispersion (micro pHm SD) is an effective method for enhancing the dissolution of pH-dependent soluble APIs. However, erratic bioavailability of these drugs was often found when the micro pHm SD of the drugs was orally administrated and passed through the gastrointestinal tract. Because the added alkalizer in micro pHm SD could be neutralized by the acid in the stomach, as a result not enough alkalizer is left to form alkaline micro-environment around the drug in the intestine, leading to poor dissolution and bioavailability of API. Enteric polymers are applicable materials for site-specific drug delivery that are insoluble in gastric tract but soluble in the intestine targeted for drug release. In this study, a poorly water-soluble model drug, toltrazuril (TOL), was prepared as enteric micro pHm SD with enteric, hydrophilic polymers and alkalizer. The surface of enteric micro pHm SD tablets staining and alkalizer protection test in the acid dissolution medium qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed the protective effects of the enteric polymer on the alkalizer. Dissolution studies revealed that the drug release from the enteric micro pHm SDs was improved significantly compared with micro pHm SD with no enteric polymer. The pH-dependent solubility of enteric polymer had effects on the dissolution of APIs from the SDs in neutral medium. Enteric micro pHm SDs with higher proportion of enteric polymer showed higher Cmax and dissolution rate of TOL. The physicochemical characterization and the molecular interaction between drug and matrix were analyzed by electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), finding that the formation of hydrogen bonds between TOL and matrix was helpful to promote dissolution of TOL. Ca(OH)2-TOL-PVPk30-HPMCAS 8: 8: 18: 6 was determined as the most optimal enteric micro pHm SD, which significantly improved the bioavailability of TOL and its active metabolism (TOLSO, TOLSO2) in pharmacokinetic study and could effectively reduce the irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by the alkalizer Ca(OH)2 when the SD was orally administrated to rabbits. The present study demonstrates that formulating APIs with poor water solubility as enteric micro pHm SD is an effective method for protecting the alkalizer in SD and improving the dissolution of APIs and the bioavailability following oral administration.

Chiral separation of D,L-mandelic acid through cellulose membranes.

This work reports the chiral separation of D,L-mandelic acid with cellulose membranes. Cellulose was chosen as membrane material because it possesses multichiral carbon atoms in its molecular structure unit. The flux and permselective properties of membrane using aqueous solutions of D,L-mandelic acid as feed solution was studied. The top surface and cross-section morphology of the resulting membrane were examined by scanning electron microscopy. When the membrane was prepared with 8.1 wt % cellulose and 8.1 wt % LiCl in the DMA casting solution, and the operating pressure and feed concentration of racemate were 0.0125 MPa and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively, over 90% of enantiomeric excess could be obtained. This is the first report that the cellulose membrane is used for isolating the optical isomers of D,L-mandelic acid. Chirality, 2011.

Relationship between dental calcification of mandibular teeth and cervical vertebrae maturity in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dental calcification stage (DCS) of the mandibular teeth and the cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS) in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP). METHODS: One hundred sixty-two UCLP patients (100 males and 62 females) between 8-16 years old were included in this study. The DCS was estimated by the Demirjian method and was converted to the dental age (DA). The CVMS was evaluated by the Baccetti method. The DA of mandibular teeth on two sides of the cleft were analyzed using a t-test. Spearman correlation was used to study the association between CVMS and DCS. The correlation coefficient between the two sides of the cleft was then compared. RESULTS: The total DA was significantly smaller on the cleft side than on the noncleft side in males (p = 0.022). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient revealed a significant correlation between the DCS of each examined tooth and the CVMS (r = 0.627-0.793 in males and r = 0.806-0.899 in females). Additionally, the correlation of the two sides was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The DCS of the first premolar showed the strongest correlation with the CVMS. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the utility of the DCS on both sides of the mandible in male UCLP patients as a simple first-level diagnostic test to evaluate growth and development. The findings also indicate that both the DCS and the CVMS should be assessed if the maturity stage of a growing UCLP patient is relevant to clinical practice.

Anterior Atlanto-Occipital Transarticular Screw Fixation: A Radiological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: In situations in which posterior atlanto-occipital fixation might not be possible or might require supplemental fixation, anterior fixation might add stability in obtaining arthrodesis. The present study aimed to provide a radiographic evaluation of the safety and feasibility in the anterior approach. METHODS: The bilateral craniocervical computed tomography slices of 60 patients were examined. The anterior screw entry point was the lowest point at the middle anterior aspect of C1 (atlas) lateral mass. To avoid hypoglossal canal and craniocerebral injury, the height of the hypoglossal canal and occipital condyle and occipital condyle width were obtained. The mandible occlusion angle (MOA), anterior screw trajectory above, under, and distal to the hypoglossal canal (AHA, UHA, and DHA) relative to the tangent line of C1 front border were measured, together with the maximum screw length under each angle (AHL, UHL and DHL). An independent samples t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The height of the hypoglossal canal and occipital condyle and occipital condyle width were all larger in the men than in the women. The MOA, AHA, UHA, and DHA were 55.0°, 18.7°, 41.0°, and 55.0°, respectively, and were similar between genders. The AHL, UHL, and DHL were 34.5, 30.9, and 31.3 mm, with the measurements for the men generally longer than those for the women by 3-4 mm. A total of 10 of 120 bilateral measurements showed the possibility of mandible occlusion, and the potential success rate of the anterior approach could reach 91.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal entry angle for anterior atlanto-occipital fixation ranges from 41.0° to 55.0°, with a safe screw length from 30.9 to 31.3 mm. The potential success rate could reach >90%.

[The symmetry of nasal maxillary complex of patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate at the stage of mixed dentition-A cone beam CT study].

PURPOSE: To investigate the symmetry of nasal maxillary complex in the three-dimensional directions of patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate(UCLP) at the stage of mixed dentition. METHODS: Craniofacial cone-beam CT(CBCT) images of 20 UCLP patients at the stage of mixed dentition were selected. Three-dimensional reconstruction of bone tissue was carried out by Mimics software, nasal root point and 32 markers with the same name of the healthy side and the cleft side of the nasal maxillary complex were traced, three-dimensional reference planes were set up, then the distances between the points to the three-dimensional planes were measured respectively. SPSS 22.0 software package was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In the horizontal direction, compared with the non-cleft side, the width of the cleft side of the maxilla at INM and SPC was smaller, the width of maxilla at LPA and SPr was larger, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the sagittal direction, compared with the non-cleft side, the depth of LPA, Maz and SPr at the cleft side was larger, the depth of SPM and SPC was smaller, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).In the vertical direction, the positions of LPA, INM and Maz at the cleft side was lower than the non-cleft side, SPC and SPr were higher, the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The remaining points had no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The nasal maxillary complex of UCLP patients at the stage of mixed dentition is asymmetric in three directions. The asymmetric locations were mainly located in the nasal cavity and alveolar bone. No obvious asymmetry is found in the orbital region and the maxillary region far from the cleft.

A novel oil-based suspension of a micro-environmental, pH-modifying solid dispersion for parenteral delivery: Formulation and stability evaluation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel oil-based suspension as a potential parenteral drug delivery system for drugs with poor water solubility. Most of the new active pharmaceutical ingredients are weak acid or basic drugs with pH-dependent solubility. To limit this dependence, use of micro-environmental pH-modifying solid dispersions (micro pHm SD) has been proved to increase the bioavailability of these drugs. Toltrazuril (TOL), a weakly acidic drug with poor aqueous and pH-dependent solubility, was studied as a model drug. Recently, studies on TOL with focus on the parenteral injection are rarely to find in the literature. A novel parenteral oil-based TOL suspension was prepared containing TOL micro pHm SD (TSD) powders suspended in oil-based vehicles and the optimal formulation was screened. The stability of this formulation was assessed considering particle size distribution, settling volume ratio, redispersibility, thermal stability, and drug content. The optimized white oil-based TOL pHm SD suspension (W-TSDS) showed significant improved stability and shear-thinning behavior. In particular, fumed silica as suspending agent positively influenced the physical stability of the formulation. Furthermore, W-TSDS showed good injectability using 21 G needles and more rapid and sustained drug release compared to TSD powders in vitro. In the in vivo safety evaluation, W-TSDS showed good histocompatibility in rabbits injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly. We believe these findings provide an alternative choice of dosage form for the delivery of new active pharmaceutical ingredients.

[Association between cervical vertebral maturation stages and dental calcification stages in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between dental calcification stages (DCS) and cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS) in patients with unilateral complete cleft lips and palates (UCLP) and to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment time selection of cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. METHODS: A total of 123 UCLP patients and 215 non-CLP subjects were selected. The DCS of the left mandibular canine, premolar, and second molar in non-CLP subjects and on both cleft sides of UCLP patients were assessed utilizing the Demirjian method. CVMS was observed utilizing the Baccetti method. The results were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation, and the correlation coefficients were compared. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the CVMS and the DCS of the left mandibular canine, the first premolar, the second premolar, and the second molar in the non-CLP subjects and on both cleft sides of the UCLP patients (r=0.762-0.864, P<0.05; r=0.809-0.914, P<0.05, respectively). The correlation between the CVMS and the DCS of the mandibular first premolar was highest among the UCLP patients. Except for the first and the second premolars of UCLP females, the correlation between the DCS and the CVMS of the other teeth did not differ among the non-CLP subjects (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DCS can be utilized as a biological index to determine the growth development statuses. The correlation between the CVMS and the DCS of the mandibular first premolar was the highest.

Assisting anti-PD-1 antibody treatment with a liposomal system capable of recruiting immune cells.

Despite the functions of anti-PD-1 antibodies as immune checkpoint regulators, less than 30% of patients exhibit durable therapeutic responses to anti-PD-1 antibodies. Studies have shown that insufficient infiltration of immune cells might limit the outcome of anti-PD-1 therapy. Therefore, we synthesized an immune cell-recruiting liposomal system (FN-nps) to improve this therapeutic strategy. The FN-nps could generate cell debris and expose heat shock protein 70, which could recruit immune cells to tumor sites to assist in anti-PD-1 treatment. In vivo experiments revealed that the FN-nps could assist in anti-PD-1 therapy by increasing the number of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and tumor site by generating tumor antigens, and this effect was accompanied by an increase in cytokine expression. The number of CTLs increased and mRNA expression levels of cytokines were regulated when the FN-nps were combined with anti-PD-1 therapy. The revealed properties of the liposomal system make it highly promising for assisting in anti-PD-1 antibody immunotherapy in different cancers.

Acidic pH-Activated Gas-Generating Nanoparticles with Pullulan Decorating for Hepatoma-Targeted Ultrasound Imaging.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) is a widely used imaging modality for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Mostly, US imaging is confined to the intravascular process because of the limitation of the microbubble contrast agent currently utilized. Targeted contrast agents that incline to accumulate in tumor tissue or tumor cells and enhance the US signal may advance the sensitivity of ultrasonography and exploit the dimension of US imaging of tumor at the molecular level. In this study, we developed CaCO3/pul-PCB (CPP) hybrid nanoparticles with hepatoma-targeting pullulan decorating on the surface through a mineralization route using the pullulan- graft-poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pul-PCB) copolymer as a modifier. This particle was stable in blood physiological pH and generated echogenic CO2 bubbles under tumoral acidic conditions, which enabled the US signal enhancement. Upon intravenous injection, CPP hybrid nanoparticles accumulated efficiently in tumor tissue and exhibited sixfold contrast enhancement in 35 min at the tumor site in the hepatoma-bearing mice model. By contrast, there was barely any signal change in normal liver tissue. Therefore, the presented CPP hybrid nanoparticle is a promising contrast agent for effective US imaging of hepatoma.

Effect of EMD on the orthodontically induced root resorption repair process in rats.

BACKGROUND: While different levels of root resorption may occur in orthodontic treatment, several preventive approaches have been reported. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on root repair during orthodontic tooth movement. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of EMD on root resorption repair following the application of orthodontic force. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A force of 100 g was exerted for 14 days on the left maxillary first molars of twenty 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats divided into the EMD and control groups (n = 10 per group). In the EMD group, repeatedly injection of Emdogain® was administered after the appliance was removed, while phosphate-buffered saline was administered in the control group. In vivo microcomputed tomography (CT), haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry were then used to evaluate the effect of EMD on the process of root repair. RESULTS: In the EMD group, the observed decrease in root resorption crater volume and increase in both the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness were significantly greater than those in the control group. H&E staining showed that the periodontal fibres were relatively regular in arrangement and that the surface of the cementum was smooth in the EMD group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression levels in the EMD group than in the control group. In addition, the osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression levels were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: EMD enhanced the repair process following orthodontically induced root resorption in rats.

Radiological Evaluation of Craniocervical Region in Patients with Basilar Invagination.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of collected data. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to present the morphology of cranial-cervical spinal canal in basilar invagination (BI) patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: BI is characterized by protrusion of the odontoid process into the foramen magnum (C0), leading to compression of the cervicomedullary junction. However, no study has ever clarified the anatomical diameters of spinal canal in patients with BI. METHODS: The study retrospectively examined computed tomography (CT)-based anatomical characteristics in a cohort of 84 patients with and without BI. We measured the anteroposterior diameter (APD) and transversal diameter (TVD) of spinal canal from C0 to C4, together with the area of vertebral canal (Area). Independent samples t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The APD in the BI group was shorter than the control group from C0 to C2 (C0: 27.98 vs. 35.11 mm, P < 0.001; C1: 11.87 vs. 16.91 mm, P < 0.001; C2: 12.91 vs. 14.84 mm, P < 0.001), but it became longer from C3 to C4. The TVD of the BI group was significantly wider from C0 to C3 (C0: 30.59 vs. 28.54 mm, P < 0.001; C1: 31.31 vs. 25.98 mm, P < 0.001; C2: 21.56 vs. 20.40 mm, P = 0.01; C3: 22.45 vs. 21.23 mm, P = 0.013), and it had no significance at C4. The Area showed no difference between the two groups from C1 to C2, but it turned larger at C3 and C4 in BI patients. CONCLUSION: BI patients may have shorter APD from C0 to C2, which could be the leading cause of neurological compression, necessitating decompression on sagittal plane. Below the pathological levels, BI patients have larger spinal canal than general population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.