A digital workflow for tooth-supported complete overdentures with a composite resin injection technique to manage the treatment of a child with ectodermal dysplasia.

This clinical report describes a digital workflow for the rehabilitation of an 8-year-old patient diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia. Based on the patient's digital primary casts, small custom trays and an arch tracer were designed and 3-dimensionally printed. The mandibular custom tray and retention plate with a tracing screw were assembled with tracing plate, forming an individual assembled mini-arch tracer system to record the jaw relationship together with a conventional facebow and a digital articulator. In addition, composite resin injection guides were designed and fabricated to form the predesigned targeted shape of the abutment teeth and provide a buffer. By following this workflow, complete overdentures with good fit, occlusion, and acceptable esthetics were delivered.

Rapid Printing and Patterning of Tough, Self-Healable, and Recyclable Hydrogel Thin-Films toward Flexible Sensing Devices.

Direct and rapid printing and surface patterning of hydrogel thin films are of great significance in the construction of advanced electronic devices, yet they are greatly underdeveloped due to the intrinsic contradiction between mechanical strength and self-healability as well as recyclability. Here, we present a universal and rapid slipping-directed route with a newly developed water-soluble star polymer hydrogel for direct and reproducible printing and patterning of freestanding functional thin films with precisely controlled thicknesses, components, and surface structures on a large scale. The resulting thin films combine the features of large transmittance (93%), tough mechanical strength (114 MPa), multiresponsive self-healability, recyclability, and remarkable multifunctionality. With the unique humidity-sensitive properties as motivation, diverse humidity-sensing devices including an actuating switch, a supercapacitive sensor, and a noncontact electronic skin are facilely constructed through the humidity-induced transverse, longitudinal, and patterning assembly techniques, respectively. The method presented here is universal and efficient in the fabrication and assembly of thin films with controlled configuration and functionality for advanced flexible electronics.

Study of oral microorganisms contributing to non-carious cervical lesions via bacterial interaction and pH regulation.

There is a lack of evidence about the relationship between microorganisms and non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) due to limited technologies. A group of 78 patients was enrolled for microbial 16S rRNA sequencing of dental plaques on normal and defective cervical surfaces. Parallel data from 39 patients were analysed with paired t tests, and Fusobacteriales exhibited significantly less distribution on NCCLs than on normal surfaces. As a result, Fusobacterium nucleatum, the most common oral bacterial strain belonging to the order Fusobacteriales, was selected for further research. From a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) scan, the tooth surface with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus mutans culture was more intact than that without Fusobacterium nucleatum. Furthermore, the calcium contents in groups with Fusobacterium nucleatum were significantly higher than that without it. In further mechanistic research, Fusobacterium nucleatum was demonstrated to adhere to and disturb other organisms as well as producing alkaline secretions to neutralize the deleterious acidic environment, protecting the tooth structure. In conclusion, microorganisms and NCCLs were confirmed directly related through adherent bacterial interactions and pH regulation. The research provides a new perspective and experimental evidence for the relation between microorganisms and NCCLs, which guides clinical treatment and preventive dentistry in the future.

Calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes as potential nanoplatforms for treatment of diabetic nephropathy through regulation of mitochondrial respiratory function.

BACKGROUNDS: One of the most common complications in diabetic nephropathy is generation of high levels of ROS which can be regulated by herbal antioxidants. However, polyphenols like calycosin, the bioactive compound of Radix astragali suffer from low solubility and poor bioavailability. METHODS: Therefore, in the present study, calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were fabricated and characterized by TEM, DLS and FTIR techniques. Afterwards, the drug loading (DL) and entrapment efficiency (EE), drug release, solubility, stability, and pharmacodynamic assays were performed. Finally, the antinephropathic effects of calycosin-loaded-nanoliposomes on mitochondria of kidney cells were explored by MTT, ROS, MDA, mitochondrial respiratory function assays. RESULTS: The result showed that the size, hydrodynamic radius, zeta potential, EE, and DL were, 80 nm, 133.99 ± 21.44 nm, - 20.53 ± 3.57, 88.37 ± 2.28%, and 7.48 ± 1.19%, respectively. The outcomes of in vitro release assay showed that calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were significantly slow-release in dialysis media with pH 1.2, pH 6.9 and pH 7.4, at about 30 min, the dissolution of calycosin from nanoliposome became almost complete, and after 2 months, the calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes were still stable. Pharmacokinetic assay revealed that the AUC0-t of calycosin in calycosin-loaded nanoliposome group was 927.39 ± 124.91 µg/L*h, which was 2.26 times than that of the free calycosin group (**P < 0.01). Additionally, the MRT0-t and t1/2 of calycosin in the calycosin-loaded nanoliposome group were prolonged by 1.54 times and 1.33 times than that of free calycosin group, respectively (*P < 0.05). Finally, it was shown that calycosin-loaded nanoliposomes regulated the viability, ROS production, lipid peroxidation and function of mitochondria in kidney cells of diabetic rats as a model of diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion it may be suggested that new therapies based on nano-formulated calycosin can restore mitochondrial function which can improve diabetic nephropathy.

Autotransplantation of mature impacted tooth to a fresh molar socket using a 3D replica and guided bone regeneration: two years retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of autotransplantation of mature third molars to fresh molar extraction sockets using 3D replicas. METHODS: Ten patients underwent teeth autotransplantation with or without GBR. We observed the mobility, percussion, radiography examination, the probing depth and the masticatory function of the transplanted teeth during 2 years following up, which were transplanted into fresh molar sockets by using 3D replicas, and GBR when it is necessary. RESULTS: The average extra-oral time of donor tooth had been shortened to 1.65 min when used the 3D replica. Some probing depth of the transplanted tooth were deeper than 3 mm at 4 or 5 weeks temporarily. And one patient felt slight sensitive when chewing with soft food at 4 weeks, then disappeared. The clinical examination of the autotransplantation teeth during 1 year follow-up showed no sign of failure. CONCLUSIONS: The tooth autotransplantation using 3D replica with or without GBR is an effective method which can reduce the extra-oral time of the donor teeth and may result in less failure.

Metabolomic and proteomic analysis of D-lactate-producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii under various fermentation conditions.

As an important feedstock monomer for the production of biodegradable stereo-complex poly-lactic acid polymer, D-lactate has attracted much attention. To improve D-lactate production by microorganisms such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii, various fermentation conditions were performed, such as the employment of anaerobic fermentation, the utilization of more suitable neutralizing agents, and exploitation of alternative nitrogen sources. The highest D-lactate titer could reach 133 g/L under the optimally combined fermentation condition, increased by 70.5% compared with the control. To decipher the potential mechanisms of D-lactate overproduction, the time-series response of intracellular metabolism to different fermentation conditions was investigated by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis. Then the metabolomic datasets were subjected to weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and nine distinct metabolic modules and eight hub metabolites were identified to be specifically associated with D-lactate production. Moreover, a quantitative iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS proteomic approach was employed to further analyze the change of intracellular metabolism under the combined fermentation condition, identifying 97 up-regulated and 42 down-regulated proteins compared with the control. The in-depth analysis elucidated how the key factors exerted influence on D-lactate biosynthesis. The results revealed that glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways, transport of glucose, amino acids and peptides, amino acid metabolism, peptide hydrolysis, synthesis of nucleotides and proteins, and cell division were all strengthened, while ATP consumption for exporting proton, cell damage, metabolic burden caused by stress response, and bypass of pyruvate were decreased under the combined condition. These might be the main reasons for significantly improved D-lactate production. These findings provide the first omics view of cell growth and D-lactate overproduction in L. delbrueckii, which can be a theoretical basis for further improving the production of D-lactate.

Selective fluorescent probe for sensitive determination of bisphenol A based on molecularly imprinted polymers decorated carbon dots derived from citric acid and ethylenediamine.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical and poses a grave threat to the human health. Herein, a fluorescent probe constructed with molecularly imprinted polymers decorated carbon dots (CDs@MIPs) was proposed for determination of BPA with high selectivity. The CDs@MIPs were constructed using BPA, 4-vinylpyridine and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as template, functional monomer and cross linker, respectively. The obtained fluorescent probe not only owned a highly selective recognition function derived from MIPs but also displayed an excellent sensitivity for sensing BPA stemmed from CDs. The fluorescence intensity of CDs@MIPs was varied before and after the removal of BPA templates. The fluorescent decrease fraction of the fluorescent probe demonstrates a nice linearity in BPA concentration range of 10-2000 nM (r2 = 0.9998) and the detection limit is as low as 1.5 nM. The fluorescent probe was triumphantly utilized to sense the level of BPA in real aqueous and plastic samples with good results. Moreover, the fluorescent probe offered a wonderful means for fast identification and sensitive detection of BPA from environmental aqueous samples.

[Clinical and cone-beam CT analysis of 368 patients with temporomandibular joint disc perforation in different age groups].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of disc perforation (DP) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at different ages. METHODS：Patients with TMJ disc perforation admitted to the Department of Trauma and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery Stomatological Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2012 to May 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into 6 groups according to different ages. Clinical and CBCT radiographic features were analyzed. Clinical features included maximal interincisal opening, pain, clicking，and occlusal changes. Imaging features included condylar absorption flattening, hyperplasia or osteophyte formation, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, depression defects, and blurred anterior slope. The clinical and imaging characteristics of patients in different age groups were statistically analyzed. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of clinical symptoms and imaging features in patients of different ages. RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were collected, including 24 males, with an average age of 27.63±15.90 years. There were 344 females with an average age of 32.61±15.61 years. The incidence of pain was 21.31%, occlusal change was 50.82%, and condylar absorption flat was 50.82% in the 10-19 age group. The incidence of pain in 20-29 age group was 31.06%, occlusal change was 53.42%, and condylar absorption flattening was 45.34%. In 50-59 age group, the incidence of pain was 83.33%, occlusal changes were 2.38%, and hyperplasia or osteophyte formation was 47.62%. In age group ≥60 years old, the incidence of pain was 82.86%, occlusal changes were 2.86%, and hyperplasia or osteophyte formation was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of clinical features, patients under 40 years old are more likely to have occlusal changes, while patients over 40 years old are most likely to have joint pain. Radiographically, patients under 40 years old are mainly characterized by bone loss in the condyle, while patients over 40 years old are mainly characterized by condylar hyperplasia.

Antibacterial, conductive, and osteocompatible polyorganophosphazene microscaffolds for the repair of infectious calvarial defect.

Many osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffolds have been developed for promoting bone regeneration; however, failures would occur in osteogenesis when the defect area is significantly infected while the biomaterials have no antibacterial performances. Herein, a kind of multipurpose PATGP@PDA + Ag microspheres was prepared via emulsion method by using a conductive aniline tetramer (AT) substituted polyphosphazene (PATGP), followed by polydopamine (PDA) modification and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loading. The PATGP@PDA + Ag microspheres demonstrated a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus both in vitro and in vivo, while showing no cytotoxicity at an optimized AgNPs loading amount. Due to the electron-donor structure of the AT moieties, the PATGP@PDA + Ag microspheres displayed antioxidant capacities to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to their phosphorus-rich feature, the PATGP@PDA + Ag microspheres favored the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). As controls, nonconductive microspheres (PAGP@PDA, PAGP@PDA + Ag) were prepared similarly by using poly[(ethylalanine)(ethylglycyl)]phosphazene (PAGP). By co-implanting these microspheres with S. aureus into rat calvarial defects, among them, it was determined that the PATGP@PDA + Ag microspheres achieved the most abundant neo-bone formation, benefiting from their antibacterial, antioxidant and osteogenic activities. These results revealed that AgNPs loaded scaffolds made of conductive polyphosphazenes were promising for the regeneration of infected bone defects.

Small-Molecule Absorber A1094 as a Stable and Fast-Clearing NIR-II Imaging Agent.

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) is conducive to deep-tissue imaging due to small scattering coefficients, but often requires exogenous imaging agents. At present, nanoparticle-based NIR-II imaging agents are mainly used in non-clinical studies, some basic components of which are resistant to metabolism in vivo. The aim of this study was to examine the ∼600 Da croconaine absorber A1094, absorbing lights around 1094 nm, as a rare, small-molecule NIR-II imaging agent in vivo. The clinical translational potential of A1094 injection were systematically revealed, including sufficient solubility and freeness in blood, good anti-interference ability, and favourable pH/oxidation-reduction/metabolic stabilities. After intravenous administration of A1094 injection, PAI of murine ears exhibited comparable capillaries visibility to that of PAI with popular Au nanorods. The contrasts achieved with A1094 and Au nanorods were 1.78 and 1.29 times higher than before administration, in the healthy group, and 3.25 and 1.58 times higher in the inflammation group. Notably, A1094 demonstrated a desired faster liver clearance than Au nanorods. The PAI signal of A1094 was cleared by 74.2 % after 3 h, whereas Au nanorods were only cleared by 43.1 %. The main metabolic mechanisms of A1094 were identified as N-methylation and lipid hydrolysis by murine liver microsomes in vitro. Therefore, A1094 may have promising clinical potential as a stable and fast-clearing NIR-II imaging agent.

Development and Characterization of A New Dimethicone Nanoemulsion and its Application for Electronic Gastroscopy Examination.

PURPOSE: Although the effective and safe medical defoamers, dimethicone (DM) and simethicone (SM) are widely used in electronic gastroscope examination (EGE), their preparations are presented in the form of suspensions or emulsions, these are untransparent or milk-like in appearance and can easily cause misdiagnosis as a result of an unclear field of vision if the doctor does not master the amount of defoamer or operates incorrectly. At the same time, it is also difficult to wash out the camera and pipeline, due to the large oil droplets of preparations. The purpose of this study was to develop a new clear and transparent oil in water (O/W) DM nanoemulsions (DMNs) and observe the effect of application in EGE. METHODS: The oil phase was chosen for its antifoaming activity and viscosity. The emulsifier and co-emulsifier were selected according to the solubility of the oil phase in them. The water titration method was used to make the pseudoternary phase diagrams of nanoemulsions and optimize the prescription composition. DM-in-water nanoemulsion was prepared by the low energy method and evaluated for appearance, antifoaming ability, droplet size, and stability. The effect of DMNs utilized in EGEs was also observed. RESULTS: The optimal formulation of DMNs contained CRH-40 as an emulsifier, PEG-400 as a co-emulsifier, DM as oil phase with the viscosity of 10 mPa.s, and their proportion was 4.5:4.5:1, respectively. DMNs obtained the average particle size of 67.98 nm with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.332, and 57.14% defoaming rate. The result of using an EGE showed that DMNs were superior in comparison to the emulsions with regard to the defoaming effect, visual clarity, and easy cleanup. CONCLUSION: DMNs were found to provide excellent visual clarity to its other preparations. The novel DMNs is a promising substitute for DM emulsions or suspensions in EGEs.

In vitro/in vivo evaluation of pH-sensitive Gambogenic acid loaded Zein nanoparticles with polydopamine coating.

As one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Gamboge, Gambogenic acid (GNA) has shown diverse anti-tumor activities. To reduce the vascular irritation of GNA and improve its water solubility, tumor targeting, and bioavailability, GNA loaded Zein nanoparticles (GNA@Zein NPs) was further coated by polydopamine (PDA) to develop GNA@Zein-PDA NPs by anti-solvent precipitation and surface modification. The results showed that particle size and Zeta potential of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were about 310 nm and -40.8 mV with core-shell morphology confirmed by TEM. GNA@Zein-PDA NPs increased the water solubility of GNA by more than 700 times and showed pH-sensitive release behavior in PBS with pH 6.86. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had higher inhibitory activity on HepG2 cells than free GNA, and their IC50 were 1.59 µg/mL and 9.89 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the hemolysis and vascular irritation assay showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had good cytocompatibility and reduced the irritation of GNA to blood vessels. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments exhibited that the Cmax and AUC0-t of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were significantly improved approximately by 2.09-fold and 3.48-fold over that of GNA, respectively. In conclusion, GNA@Zein-PDA NPs solve many defects of GNA and provide a tumor-targeting drug delivery for GNA.

Macroporous scaffolds developed from CaSiO3 nanofibers regulating bone regeneration via controlled calcination.

Calcium silicate (CS) is envisioned as a good substrate for bone tissue engineering applications because it can provide bioactive ions like Ca2+ and Si4+ to promote bone regeneration. Calcination temperature is a critical factor in determining the crystallinity of CS ceramic, which subsequently influences its degradation and ion release behaviors. To investigate the effect of calcination temperature on the capacity of CS in inducing bone regeneration, CS nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning of precursor sol-gel and subsequent sintering at 800 °C, 1000 °C or 1200 °C. As the calcination temperature was increased, the obtained CS nanofibers displayed higher crystallinity and slower degradation rate. The CS nanofibers calcined at 800 °C (800 m) would like to cause high pH (>9) in cell culture medium due to its rapid ion release rate, displaying adverse effect on cell viability. Among all the preparations, it was found the CS nanofibers calcined at 1000 °C (1000 m) demonstrated the strongest promotion effect on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells. To facilitate in vivo implantation, the CS nanofibers were shaped into three-dimensional macroporous scaffolds and coated with gelatin to improve their mechanical stability. By implanting the scaffolds into rat calvarial defects, it was confirmed the scaffold made of CS nanofibers calcined at 1000 °C was able to enhance new bone formation more efficiently than the scaffolds made of CS nanofibers calcined at 800 °C or 1200 °C. To summarize, calcination temperature could be an effective and useful tool applied to produce CS bioceramic substrates with improved potential in enhancing osteogenesis by regulating their degradation and bioactive ion release behaviors.

[Application of computer virtual design to assist the accuracy of socket preparation during tooth autotransplantation].

PURPOSE: It was aimed to apply computer virtual design and digital surgical templates to simulate postoperative position of tooth and guide the accuracy of socket preparation during tooth autotransplantation. METHODS: The study enrolled 10 patients who underwent tooth autotransplant surgery. Cone-bean CT (CBCT) data were imported into Proplan CMF 3.0 software. The donor tooth was transferred to the recipient site according to the occlusion and space situation. A digital template was designed to guide socket preparation. Computer-aided rapid prototyping (RP) technique was used to print the surgical template and tooth model. RESULTS: With computer virtual design and digital template, it was possible to accurately guide socket preparation in recipient site. The six-month follow-up results showed the periodontal space in the radiographs was continuous and intact. There was no mobility in all cases and the probing depth of the tooth was <4 mm. The related data showed a favorable survival and success rates of the donor teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Computer virtual design can successfully simulate postoperative position in tooth autotransplantation while simplifying the surgical procedure, and enhance the accuracy of socket preparation.

High-Throughput and Self-Powered Electroporation System for Drug Delivery Assisted by Microfoam Electrode.

Electroporation is an effective approach for drug and gene delivery, but it is still limited by its low-throughput and severe cell damage. Herein, with a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator as the power source, we demonstrated a high-throughput electroporation system based on the design of biocompatible and flexible polypyrrole microfoam as the electrode within the flow channel. In particular, to lower the imposed voltage, one-dimensional (1D) Ag nanowires were modified on the microfoam electrode to build up a locally enhanced electric field and reduce cell damage. The self-powered electroporation system realized a successful delivery of small and large biomolecules into different cell lines with efficiency up to 86% and cell viability over 88%. The handle throughput achieved as high as 105 cells min-1 on continuously flowed cells. The high-throughput and self-powered electroporation system is expected to have potential applications in the fields of high-throughput drug and gene delivery for in vitro isolated cells.

MV-mimicking micelles loaded with PEG-serine-ACP nanoparticles to achieve biomimetic intra/extra fibrillar mineralization of collagen in vitro.

Since their discovery, matrix vesicles (MVs) containing minerals have received considerable attention for their role in the mineralization of bone, dentin and calcified cartilage. Additionally, MVs' association with collagen fibrils, which serve as the scaffold for calcification in the organic matrix, has been repeatedly highlighted. The primary purpose of the present study was to establish a MVs-mimicking model (PEG-S-ACP/micelle) in vitro for studying the exact mechanism of MVs-mediated extra/intra fibrillar mineralization of collagen in vivo. In this study, high-concentration serine was used to stabilize the amorphous calcium phosphate (S-ACP), which was subsequently mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form PEG-S-ACP nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were loaded in the polysorbate 80 micelle through a micelle self-assembly process in an aqueous environment. This MVs-mimicking model is referred to as the PEG-S-ACP/micelle model. By adjusting the pH and surface tension of the PEG-S-ACP/micelle, two forms of minerals (crystalline mineral nodules and ACP nanoparticles) were released to achieve the extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar mineralization, respectively. This in vitro mineralization process reproduced the mineral nodules mediating in vivo extrafibrillar mineralization and provided key insights into a possible mechanism of biomineralization by which in vivo intrafibrillar mineralization could be induced by ACP nanoparticles released from MVs. Also, the PEG-S-ACP/micelle model provides a promising methodology to prepare mineralized collagen scaffolds for repairing bone defects in bone tissue engineering.

Establishing an osteoimmunomodulatory coating loaded with aspirin on the surface of titanium primed with phase-transited lysozyme.

BACKGROUND: To improve osseointegration and enhance the success rate of implanted biomaterials, the surface modification technology of bone implants has developed rapidly. Intensive research on osteoimmunomodulation has shown that the surfaces of implants should possess favorable osteoimmunomodulation to facilitate osteogenesis. METHODS: A novel, green and efficient phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) technique was used to prime titanium discs with a positive charge. In addition, sodium hyaluronate (HA) and self-assembled type I collagen containing aspirin (ASA) nanoparticles were decorated on PTL-primed Ti discs via electrostatic interaction. RESULTS: The behaviors of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on the Ti disc surfaces containing ASA were analyzed in different conditioned media (CM) generated by macrophages. Additionally, the secretion of inflammation-related cytokines of macrophages on the surfaces of different Ti discs was investigated in in vitro experiments, which showed that the Ti surface containing ASA not only supported the migration, proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs but also reduced the inflammatory response of macrophages compared with Ti discs without surface modification. After implantation in vivo, the ASA-modified implant can significantly contribute to bone formation around the implant, which mirrors the evaluation in vitro. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant effects of appropriate surface characteristics on the regulation of osteogenesis and osteoimmunomodulation around an implant. Implant modification with ASA potentially provides superior strategies for the surface modification of biomaterials.

Biocompatible Croconaine Aggregates with Strong 1.2-1.3 µm Absorption for NIR-IIa Photoacoustic Imaging in Vivo.

Although photoacoustic imaging (PAI) in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) region (1.0-1.7 µm) is admired for deeper penetration and higher contrast, few organic NIR-II absorbers are available as exogenous contrast agents in vivo. A1094 belongs to the very few ∼1.1 µm absorbing croconaine dyes that have superior extinction coefficient and tend to form irregular aggregation. In this study, shape-controlled A1094@DSPE-PEG2000 micelles with a J-aggregate core with remarkable 1.2-1.3 µm absorption are fabricated as biocompatible organic agents. Excellent capabilities in photothermal conversion, photostability, and PAI are found in in vitro studies. In vivo PAI of inguinal lymph nodes and in situ glioma pre- and post-resection, all demonstrate high lymph/tumor-targeting efficiency. An ∼4.54 mm deep brain lesion is imaged at 1200 nm with minimized background and increased contrast compared to 970 nm. Overall, we achieved significant bathochromic shift of organic absorbers and expanded their PAI application to the long-wavelength end of the NIR-IIa region.

[Evaluation of using Proplan virtual software in teaching of orthognathic surgery].

PURPOSE: Using Proplan virtual software to construct a virtual teaching platform for orthognathic surgery, and to explore an effective teaching model for orthognathic surgery. METHODS: One-hundred grade four students of stomatology in Fujian Medical University were divided into two groups. Traditional orthognathic surgery teaching method and Proplan virtual software teaching method were employed to teach the two groups of students, respectively. Orthognathic-surgery-related paper test was used to evaluate how the two groups of students understand orthognathic surgery; then the students were switched to the other teaching method, respectively. A follow-up questionnaire survey was conducted to further evaluate students' acceptance of the two teaching methods. Finally, a comprehensive statistical analysis was performed for students understanding of orthognathic surgery using SPSS 11.0 software package. RESULTS: According to the test scores, students in the experimental group scored higher than the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). The acceptance of different teaching methods displayed remarkable difference between the two groups. Token together, our finding showed that virtual model surgery teaching was an easier teaching method for students to understand and accept. CONCLUSIONS: Proplan virtual software teaching improves the teaching efficiency of orthognathic surgery and deserves further promotion.

[Clinical effect of modified alveolar cleft repair with bone grafting].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of improved alveolar cleft repair with bone grafting. METHODS: Forty one cases with alveolar cleft treated by modified operation between 2008-2016 were included. The modified techniques were as follow: incision design, preparation of bone graft bed, bone removal and bone grafting, etc. The therapeutic effect was analyzed. RESULTS: The successful rate was 92.8%. After 6-12 months of follow-up, bone graft survived well with no obvious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac bone is a good source for bone graft. Improvement of tight tension-free suture in bone bed is the key to surgical success.