Volumetric evaluation of effects of platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor on early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled clinical trial compared the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) on early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery. METHODS: Eighteen patients with an isolated periapical lesion < 10 mm in the maxillary anterior region were randomly assigned to three groups: control, PRF, or CGF. Endodontic microsurgery was performed and PRF or CGF membranes were placed over the bone defects in the experimental groups. The volume of the bone defect at postoperative one week, three months, and six months was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography and Mimics software. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: At the three-month follow-up, the PRF and CGF groups showed significantly greater bone healing compared with the control group (p > 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the PRF and CGF groups. At the six-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that PRF and CGF promote early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery.

Conformer-Based Dental AI Patient Clinical Diagnosis Simulation Using Korean Synthetic Data Generator for Multiple Standardized Patient Scenarios.

The goal of clinical practice education is to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting and to foster growth as a professional healthcare provider. One effective method of achieving this is through the utilization of Standardized Patients (SP) in education, which familiarizes students with real patient interviews and allows educators to assess their clinical performance skills. However, SP education faces challenges such as the cost of hiring actors and the shortage of professional educators to train them. In this paper, we aim to alleviate these issues by utilizing deep learning models to replace the actors. We employ the Conformer model for the implementation of the AI patient, and we develop a Korean SP scenario data generator to collect data for training responses to diagnostic questions. Our Korean SP scenario data generator is devised to generate SP scenarios based on the provided patient information, using pre-prepared questions and answers. In the AI patient training process, two types of data are employed: common data and personalized data. The common data are employed to develop natural general conversation skills, while personalized data, from the SP scenario, are utilized to learn specific clinical information relevant to a patient's role. Based on these data, to evaluate the learning efficiency of the Conformer structure, a comparison was conducted with the Transformer using the BLEU score and WER as evaluation metrics. Experimental results showed that the Conformer-based model demonstrated a 3.92% and 6.74% improvement in BLEU and WER performance compared to the Transformer-based model, respectively. The dental AI patient for SP simulation presented in this paper has the potential to be applied to other medical and nursing fields, provided that additional data collection processes are conducted.

Biomedical Membrane of Fish Collagen/Gellan Gum Containing Bone Graft Materials.

The development of a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane with non-mammalian fish collagen has the advantage of low risk for transmission of infectious diseases in tissue regeneration. In this work, a fish collagen/gellan gum and bone graft material (FC/GG-BGM) composite GBR membrane were fabricated through solution blending and casting procedures in a vacuum. The membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy observation (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses. FT-IR results suggested that ionic interactions were formed between FC and GG both in composite powder and membranes. In vivo experiments showed that these FC/GG-BGM composite membranes could generate osteoblast minerals and promote loose bone calcification, thus accelerating bone regeneration. At 2 weeks, the defected site of rats treated with FC/GG-BGM membrane (0.377 ± 0.012 mm3) showed higher regeneration than that of rats treated with the bovine collagen membrane (0.290 ± 0.015 mm3) and control rats without membrane (0.160 ± 0.008 mm3). Compared with bovine collagen membrane, the FC/GG-BGM composite membrane displays better bone regeneration ability. Therefore, FC/GG-BGM composite membrane is suitable as a GBR membrane for bone regeneration.

The Characteristics of Demineralized Dentin Material Sponge as Guided Bone Regeneration Based on the FTIR and SEM-EDX Tests.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of demineralized dentin material sponge (DDMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted on DDMS and BPCM. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test was performed to determine the characterizations of the materials. Scanning electron microscope-electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) test was performed to observe the elements contained in the materials. RESULTS: The infrared spectrum of the DDMS and BPCM functional groups showed the same pattern in each variation, and no significant differences were found. According to SEM analysis, the cavities that make up the membrane were spotted on the surface. Besides, according to the SEM-EDX analysis, DDMS contained chlorine, carbon, and calcium, while BPCM contained carbon, oxygen, and sulfur. CONCLUSION: DDMS has the potential to be a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering in terms of the characteristics. DDMS had a structure that almost resembles BPCM as seen from the results of the FTIR graph between DDMS and BPCM. The morphological structure of the two materials in the SEM test appeared to have porosity with various sizes.

Comparison of Various Time-Related Modifications of Ultraviolet Photofunctionalization on SLA-Treated Titanium Surfaces.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in the physicochemical and biologic characteristics of titanium surfaces through short-term re-hydrophobization for 24 hours and ultraviolet (UV) re-irradiation for 24 hours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Photofunctionalization was performed with four 15-W bactericidal lamps at an intensity of 5.0 mW/cm2 (wavelength = 254 ± 20 nm) on sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA)-treated titanium surfaces, which were stored in a sterilized sealed container for 8 weeks to allow enough biologic aging. The duration of the UV irradiation was as follows: irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours; re-hydrophobization group-UV irradiated for 24 hours and then stored in an ambient sterilized medium; and re-irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours followed by storing for 24 hours in an ambient sterilized medium and then UV re-irradiated for 24 hours. The surface characteristics were evaluated with field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle. Cell viability and morphology were measured using fluorescence staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and alizarin red S staining were performed to evaluate the differentiation of osteogenic cells and the mineralization capability. RESULTS: Macroroughness and superimposed microroughness were observed on the disk surfaces in all groups as typically seen on SLA surfaces. The water contact angles were measured to be 1.85, 1.48, and 1.18 degrees for the irradiation group, re-hydrophobization group, and re-irradiation group, respectively, indicating superhydrophilicity. There was no difference in the surface elemental ratio or the spectra of XPS, cell viability, or ALP activity. Although the re-irradiation group had the highest total amount of calcium deposition, there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, improved superhydrophilicity and bioactivity after UV irradiation were maintained during short-term re-hydrophobization and repeated re-irradiation without changing the topography of SLA titanium surfaces.

Three new species of the genus Stephos Scott, 1892 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Stephidae) from Jeju Island, Korea.

During general field surveys carried out recently to collect benthopelagic copepods from near the substrate of the shallow waters off Jeju Island, Korea, a few specimens of three new species of Stephos Scott, 1892, were collected. The new species are placed in the genus Stephos because of the following combination of features: absence of seta on the basal exite of maxillule, and male right leg 5 ending in an unarmed claw-like and/or mitten-like segment. Stephos jejuensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by body length 0.92 mm, left side of the female genital double-somite with protruding lobes, antennule that extends beyond the distal area of the genital double-somite, and the male leg 5 terminal complex. Stephos concavus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the genital double-somite with protruding lobes on both sides, and the presence of larger spinules on the distomedial margin of leg 5. Stephos fortipes sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by its longer body length, 1.12 mm long in the female, antennules that extend to the end of the genital double-somite, and the presence of a covered row of minute spinules on the ventral surface of the genital operculum in the female. Until now, 35 species of stephids were known worldwide.

Surgical Management of the Palatal Pleomorphic Adenoma.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical excision is the basic treatment option of the palatal pleomorphic adenoma (PA), it is generally accepted to prevent for recurrence. The purpose of this study was to determine the decision criteria for the management of the palatal PA through evaluating the postoperative results of palatal PA correlation with the clinical appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of patients were evaluated the mucosal ulceration, palatal erosion, and size with CT images in all 18 palatal PAs. The clinical features, surgical methods, and surgical results of these 18 PAs were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common age was 51 to 70 years. One patient was in pediatric age (14 years). Females were involved more commonly than males (F:M ratio was 5:1) Mucosa was normal in 16 patients. Ulcerations of the overlying mucosa were seen in 2 cases. On the coronal CT images, hard palate was erosion in 14 patients who had involved hard palate. The size of tumors was from 7 mm to 33 mm in CT scans. Two patients were ruptured the tumor during the operation, and 1 out of 2 patients was recurred. CONCLUSIONS: For the definitive diagnosis is necessary to perform the preoperative core biopsy for the histopathological examination, and CT is necessary for evaluating the erosion of the hard palate and severity of the erosion. Hard palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation and removal of the periosteum or involved bone. Soft palatal PA can be managed by surgical enucleation without mucosal resection. Rupture of the tumor is related to the recurrence.

A new species of bomolochid Orbitacolax brevispinus n. sp. and redescription of taeniacanthid Cirracanthus inimici (Yamaguti et Yamasu, 1959) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) parasitic on marine fishes of Korea.

Two species of cyclopoid copepods are recorded in this study. (1) A new species of bomolochid, Orbitacolax brevispinus n. sp. (Crustacea) is described based on adult females collected from the gill filaments and inner surface of the opercula of red barracuda, Sphyraena pinguis Günther (Perciformes: Sphyraenidae), captured in Korean waters. The new species differs from its congeners by the possession of two pairs of spines on the dorsal surface of the cephalothorax located just posterior to the rostrum and a different setal formula on the distal exopodal segments of legs 2-4. (2) A taeniacanthid Cirracanthus inimici (Yamaguti et Yamasu, 1959) (Crustacea) is redescribed based on the specimens collected from the gill filaments and inner surface of the opercula of devil stinger, Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier) (Scorpaeniformes: Synancellidae). This finding is the first record in Korean waters and the first description of male. A checklist of parasitic copepods of the families Bomolochidae Sumpf, 1871 and Taeniacanthidae Wilson, 1911of Korea is also provided.

Management of the paralyzed face using temporalis tendon transfer via intraoral and transcutaneous approach: Temporalis tendon transfer.

Temporalis tendon transfer is a technique for dynamic facial reanimation. Since its inception, nearly 80 years ago, it has undergone a wealth of innovation to produce the modern operation. Temporalis tendon transfer is a relatively minimally invasive technique for the dynamic reanimation of the paralyzed face. This technique can produce significant and appropriate movement of the lateral oral commissure, more closely mimicking the normal side. The aim of this article is to review the technique of temporalis tendon transfer involving transferring of the coronoid process of the mandible with the insertion of the temporalis tendon via intra-oral and transcutaneous approach.

Distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Vibrio species associated with zooplankton in coastal area of Korea.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus are the most common pathogens causing seafood-borne illnesses in Korea. This study determines the abundance and antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic Vibrio species in seawater and zooplankton samples from the Geoje Island coast in Korea, which is an important area for coastal fisheries, the fishing industry, and tourism. The two Vibrio species were detected more in mesozooplankton samples than in seawater samples. V. parahaemolyticus isolates showed greater resistance than those of V. vulnificus for antimicrobials. Of V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 93.3% exhibited resistance to three or more antimicrobial agents. Conversely, more than 80% of V. vulnificus isolates showed susceptibility to all antimicrobials examined, with the exception of rifampicin. Our findings show that strong antimicrobial resistance of V. parahaemolyticus in the surveyed area was exposed to conventionally used antibiotics, therefore necessitating proper surveillance programs for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns in seawater bodies and aquatic animals.

Intratumoral Photodynamic Therapy With Newly Synthesized Pheophorbide a in Murine Oral Cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic alternative for malignant tumors that uses a photosensitizer. Our group recently synthesized photosensitizer pheophorbide a (Pa) from chlorophyll-a. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of PDT using intratumoral administration of the synthetic photosensitizer Pa in an in vivo murine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) animal model. Pa accumulation was measured using the fluorescence spectrum and imaging in living C3H mice. Intratumoral treatment of Pa-PDT (IT Pa-PDT) significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted OSCC cells. Histopathological examination of tumor tissues showed that PCNA expression was significantly decreased, while TUNEL-stained cells were markedly increased in the IT Pa-PDT group compared to controls. IT Pa-PDT-induced apoptosis was confirmed by immunoblot. Reduction of Bcl-2 and cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP were observed in IT Pa-PDT. These data demonstrate that IT Pa-PDT inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, which is correlated with the anticancer activity of IT Pa-PDT. These potent antitumor activities of IT Pa-PDT were observed in both the immunohistochemistry and Western blot experiments. Our findings suggest the intratumoral therapeutic potential of Pa-PDT on OSCC. Additionally, demonstrated detection of Pa using a fluorescence spectroscopy system or molecular imaging system provides a means for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.

A new species of Prohatschekia Nunes-Ruivo, 1954 (Siphonostomatoida: Hatschekiidae) from the scorpaenid fish, Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel, 1843 (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae), in Korean waters.

A new species of parasitic copepod, Prohatschekia pseudocremouxi sp. nov. is described based on adult females collected from the gills of the scorpaenid fish, Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel, 1843 caught in Korean waters. The new species is most closely related to P. cremouxi Nunes-Ruivo, 1954, but differs from it by the following combination of characters in the adult female: the size of the trunk which is about 3.7 times as long as cephalothorax; the short and strongly curved antennary claw; and the distal segment of the maxilla is tipped with a simple seta. This discovery raises the number of nominal species in Prohatschekia Nunes-Ruivo, 1954 to eight and represents the first record of the genus in Korea.

Cepolacanthus kimi, a new genus and species of copepod (Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) parasitic on Bandfish Acanthocepola abbreviata (Valenciennes, 1835) (Actinopterygii: Cepolidae) caught off the Iraqi coast.

A new genus and species, Cepolacanthus kimi, of the family Taeniacanthidae is established based on adult female specimens collected from the gills of Bandfish Acanthocepola abbreviata (Valenciennes, 1835) (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Cepolidae) caught off the coast of Iraq. The new genus is characterised by the following combination of features: 1) the urosome is composed of five somites, with the last urosomite probably being a compound somite formed from the failure of the third and fourth abdominal somites to separate; 2) the seta on the maxillary basis is displaced proximally from the free spinulated element; 3) the terminal claw (endopod) of the maxilliped is long and attenuate; 4) the endopod of legs 2-4 is 2-segmented; and 5) the terminal exopodal segment of leg 4 bears a prominent distolateral protuberance. Cepolacanthus kimi gen. et sp. nov. is the first copepod reported from A. abbreviata and the second taeniacanthid species recorded from the Iraqi coast. A new replacement name, Suncheonacanthus nom. nov., is proposed for the preoccupied generic name, Triacanthus Kim & Moon, 2013.

Effect of hydroxyapatite on critical-sized defect.

BACKGROUND: Xenologous or synthetic graft materials are commonly used as an alternative for autografts for guided bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of carbonate apatite on the critical-size bone defect of rat's calvarium. METHODS: Thirty-six critical-size defects were created on 18 adult male Sprague-Dawley rat calvaria under general anesthesia. Calvarial bones were grinded with 8 mm in daimeter bilaterally and then filled with (1) no grafts (control, n = 10 defects), (2) bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss®, Geistlich Pharma Ag. Swiss, n = 11 defects), and (3) hydroxyapatite (Bongros®, Bio@ Inc., Seongnam, Korea, n = 15 defects). At 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, the rats were sacrificed and all samples were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: At 4 weeks after surgery, group 3 (42.90 ± 9.33 %) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the control (30.50 ± 6.05 %) and group 2 (28.53 ± 8.62 %). At 8 weeks after surgery, group 1 (50.21 ± 6.23 %), group 2 (54.12 ± 10.54 %), and group 3 (50.92 ± 6.05 %) showed no significant difference in the new bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Bongros®-HA was thought to be the available material for regenerating the new bone formation.

Prevalence of pathologies related to impacted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of cysts and tumors related to impacted third molars has been considered important because the risk justifies prophylactic extraction. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cysts or tumors associated with impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) according to patients' age and gender. METHODS: Over the period from August 2006 to August 2011, 20,802 third molars from 17,535 patients were removed. Among these, IMTMs without cysts nor tumors were classified as non-pathology group, and IMTMs with cysts and tumors were classified into pathology group. The prevalence of IMTMs and associated cysts or tumors was analyzed in patient groups stratified by age and gender. The pathology group patients were also classified according to histopathological findings and the corresponding age groups. RESULTS: Radiographic signs of disease were detected for 176 lesions (0.846 %) in 165 patients. Of these, 135 (76.4 %) lesions were diagnosed as dentigerous cysts, 31 (17.6 %) as keratocysticodontogenic tumors, and 10 (5.7 %) as ameloblastomas. The prevalence of cysts or tumors tended to increase after 50 years of age, such as 7.27 % in 6th decades, 18.60 % in 7th decades, and 11.53 % in 8th decades, with a male predominance in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: IMTMs in old age patients more than 50 years old has high possibilities of developing cyst or tumors especially in male patients. However, these results should not be used as the only evidence for justifying prophylactic extraction, and further studies should investigate the survival rate of IMTMs without any pathologic in older populations.

Clinical problems of computer-guided implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of a cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-assisted surgical template allows for predictable results because implant placement plans can be performed in the actual surgery. In order to assess the accuracy of the CT-guided surgery, angular errors and shoulder/apex distance errors were evaluated by data fusion from before and after the placement. METHODS: Computer-guided implant surgery was performed in five patients with 19 implants. In order to analyze differences of the implant fixture body between preoperative planned implant and postoperative placed implant, angular error and distance errors were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean angular errors between the preoperative planned and postoperative placed implant was 3.84° ± 1.49°; the mean distance errors between the planned and placed implants were 0.45 ± 0.48 mm horizontally and 0.63 ± 0.51 mm vertically at the implant neck and 0.70 ± 0.63 mm horizontally and 0.64 ± 0.57 mm vertically at the implant apex for all 19 implants. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to be able to utilize these methods in actual clinical settings by improving the various problems, including the considerations of patient mouth opening limitations, surgical guide preparation, and fixation.

Pumping bottom water to prevent Korean red tide damage caused by Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef.

Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef produces annual massive blooms in Korean coastal waters which cause great damage to aquaculture and fisheries. Although various methods have been developed to remove the red tide of C. polykrikoides, release of yellow loess has been regarded as the most desirable technique for mitigation for over 10 years. Each August, strong irradiation generates water column stratification separating warm surface from colder bottom waters. Water from a distance of 0 (St. 1), 5 (St. 2), 10 (St. 3), and 15 m (St. 4) was pumped by running a pump for 0, 10, 30 and 90 min and characterized water temperature, salinity collected, suspended solids, Chl-a, and phytoplankton including C. polykrikoides. After running for 30 min, was temperature and salinity in surface water was similar to those of bottom water, and water column stratification completely reversed after 90 min. Likewise, suspended solids, Chl-a, and total phytoplankton cell density decreased after 30 min, but C. polykrikoides did not show strong removal because of low cell density during sampling. However, the number of C. polykrikoides was significantly diluted (80%) after 90 min. These results suggested that pumping device was as an environmentally-friendly method convenient to be install in fish cages and effective to remove C. polykrikoides stratified water column conditions.

A new species of Anchistrotos Brian, 1906 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae) from the filamentous shrimpgoby Myersina filifer (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Gobiidae) in Korean waters.

A new species of Anchistrotos Brian, 1906 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Taeniacanthidae), parasitic in the branchial cavities of the filamentous shrimpgoby Myersina filifer (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from Korea is described. The new species is most closely related to A. tangi Venmathi Maran, Moon & Adday, 2014, but differs from it by the following combination of characters in the adult female: the U-shaped rostrum, the distal margin of the anal somite lacks patches of spinules, the proximal segment of the maxilliped is without seta, and the maxilliped claw is armed with long and small naked setae. This is the tenth species of the genus and a key is provided to distinguish all nominal species.

Ultra-thin Rigid diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy during arthrocentesis: Development and preliminary clinical findings.

Arthroscopy is useful to detect early changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Despite great advances in arthroscopy, many arthroscopic surgeries have now been replaced by arthrocentesis. We propose a simple diagnostic and therapeutic method having operative rigid ultra-thin arthroscopy with 16 gauge needle size combined with arthrocentesis.

Monocortical Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap in Jaw Reconstruction.

Conventionally deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap had been harvested as bicortical form. However, several complications and adverse effects occurred such as abnormal hip contour, hernia, severe bleeding tendency, gait disturbance, and hypoesthesia. All the 9 patients required reconstruction of the jaw with microvascular free flaps after radical resection. Monocortical bone segment was harvested from the anterior iliac crest, and the amount of bone harvested was from 47 to 90 mm (mean, 63 ± 14.6). Monocortical deep circumflex iliac artery flap has sufficient advantages in donor-site morbidity, which is one of the factors to choose flap.