Oral Biopsy Techniques.

Squamous cell carcinoma makes up 90% of cases of oral cancer. However, a myriad of premalignant, inflammatory, and immune-based conditions can manifest as oral mucosal lesions. Biopsy of these lesions shares many of the principles of cutaneous lesions. Biopsy of oral mucosal lesions is a procedure that is safely performed in most cases in the outpatient ambulatory setting using local anesthesia. Special considerations should be taken depending on the presumed diagnosis based on physical examination. Its clinical relevance depends on a sound clinicopathologic assessment of the patient's condition. This article reviews specific considerations for biopsy of oral mucosal lesions.

Vaginoplasty with an Autologous Buccal Mucosa Fenestrated Graft in Two Patients with Vaginal Agenesis: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Literature Review.

Here we describe the procedure and outcomes of a multidisciplinary approach to vaginoplasty using autologous buccal mucosa fenestrated grafts in 2 patients with vaginal agenesis. This procedure resulted in anatomic success, with a functional neovagina with good vaginal length and caliber and satisfactory sexual function capacity and well-healed buccal mucosa. There were no complications, and the patients were satisfied with the surgical results. We conclude that the use of a single fenestrated graft of autologous buccal mucosa is a simple, effective procedure for the treatment of vaginal agenesis that results in an optimally functioning neovagina with respect to vaginal length, caliber, and sexual capacity.

Common dental and orofacial trauma: evaluation and management.

This article reviews common dental and orofacial traumatic injuries, and provides a broad overview and general principles of the diagnosis and management of common dental and orofacial injuries. Such knowledge will aid the physician in recognition and assessment of injury, proper treatment, and appropriate referral to the specialist. Although many of these injuries warrant appropriate consultation, a sound understanding of assessment and treatment protocol is important.

Use of bioresorbable plating systems in paediatric mandible fractures.

AIM: The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the use of bioresorbable plating systems in the rigid fixation of paediatric mandible fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our series consists of fifteen paediatric patients (11 male, 4 female, average age 8.13 years) with mandible fractures of varying severity treated with bioresorbable plates over a 54-month period at our institution. Fractures of the ramus, body, parasymphysis, and symphysis were treated by one surgeon with open reduction and internal fixation with 1.5 mm and 2 mm resorbable plates and monocortical screws, using 3 different plating systems, each with differing polymer concentrations of polyglycolic and poly-L-lactic acid. The patients were followed with respect to the following clinical categories: fracture location, postoperative occlusion, maximum interincisal opening (MIO), segmental mobility at the fracture site, and any abnormal swelling at the operative site. RESULTS: Our data shows a stable occlusion and maximum interincisal opening of thirty millimetres or greater was achieved in 14 of 15 patients seen in follow up, with 8 patients having an MIO of 40 mm or greater. No segmental mobility noted at any of the fracture sites. Thirteen patients had no postoperative sequelae or implant related complications. Two patients developed a seroma-like collection at the operative site. Postoperative films starting at 1 year showed significant bony osseous fill where the previous screw sites were located. CONCLUSIONS: In our case series we found that the use of resorbable polyglycolic and poly-L-lactic acid plating systems when combined with a brief postoperative period of intermaxillary fixation is an effective method of internal fixation for mandibular fractures in the paediatric population.

Synthesis and materials chemistry of bismuth tris-(di-i-propylcarbamate): deposition of photoactive Bi2O3 thin films.

The bismuth carbamate Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3, a tetramer in the solid-state, has been synthesized and used to deposit mixtures of bismuth oxides by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). The nature of the deposited oxide is a function of both temperature and run-time. Initially, δ-Bi2O3 is deposited, over which grows a thick layer of ß-Bi2O3 nanowires, the latter having an increasing degree of preferred orientation at higher deposition temperatures. The photocatalytic activity of a thin film of δ-Bi2O3 for the degradation of methylene blue dye was found to be similar to that of a commercial TiO2 film on glass, while the film overcoated with ß-Bi2O3 nanowires was less active. Exposure of Bi(O2CNPr(i)2)3 to controlled amounts of moist air affords the novel oxo-cluster Bi8(O)6(O2CNPr(i)2)12, whose structure has also been determined.

Acquired arteriovenous fistula associated with traumatic oroantral fistula: endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND: Oroantral fistulas are pathologic connections between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. Arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between an artery and a vein with no intervening capillary network. METHODS: We present an extremely rare case of barotrauma-related oroantral fistula with an associated arteriovenous fistula between the internal maxillary artery and the ophthalmic venous system. RESULTS: The patient developed an oroantral fistula from barometric pressure changes in the setting of sinusitis. After closure and revision of the oroantral fistula, he developed proptosis and chemosis. Angiography revealed an arteriovenous fistula between the internal maxillary artery and the ophthalmic venous drainage system in the area of the oroantral fistula, which was treated with endovascular embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Arteriovenous fistulas may accompany oroantral fistulas created by trauma or surgery and should be considered in patients presenting with chemosis and proptosis. Treatment with embolization should be performed before surgical intervention.

Prostaglandin D2 inhibits hair growth and is elevated in bald scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia.

Testosterone is necessary for the development of male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA); yet, the mechanisms for decreased hair growth in this disorder are unclear. We show that prostaglandin D(2) synthase (PTGDS) is elevated at the mRNA and protein levels in bald scalp compared to haired scalp of men with AGA. The product of PTGDS enzyme activity, prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), is similarly elevated in bald scalp. During normal follicle cycling in mice, Ptgds and PGD(2) levels increase immediately preceding the regression phase, suggesting an inhibitory effect on hair growth. We show that PGD(2) inhibits hair growth in explanted human hair follicles and when applied topically to mice. Hair growth inhibition requires the PGD(2) receptor G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide)-coupled receptor 44 (GPR44), but not the PGD(2) receptor 1 (PTGDR). Furthermore, we find that a transgenic mouse, K14-Ptgs2, which targets prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 expression to the skin, demonstrates elevated levels of PGD(2) in the skin and develops alopecia, follicular miniaturization, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, which are all hallmarks of human AGA. These results define PGD(2) as an inhibitor of hair growth in AGA and suggest the PGD(2)-GPR44 pathway as a potential target for treatment.

Bald scalp in men with androgenetic alopecia retains hair follicle stem cells but lacks CD200-rich and CD34-positive hair follicle progenitor cells.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as common baldness, is characterized by a marked decrease in hair follicle size, which could be related to the loss of hair follicle stem or progenitor cells. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed bald and non-bald scalp from AGA individuals for the presence of hair follicle stem and progenitor cells. Cells expressing cytokeratin15 (KRT15), CD200, CD34, and integrin, α6 (ITGA6) were quantitated via flow cytometry. High levels of KRT15 expression correlated with stem cell properties of small cell size and quiescence. These KRT15(hi) stem cells were maintained in bald scalp samples. However, CD200(hi)ITGA6(hi) and CD34(hi) cell populations--which both possessed a progenitor phenotype, in that they localized closely to the stem cell-rich bulge area but were larger and more proliferative than the KRT15(hi) stem cells--were markedly diminished. In functional assays, analogous CD200(hi)Itga6(hi) cells from murine hair follicles were multipotent and generated new hair follicles in skin reconstitution assays. These findings support the notion that a defect in conversion of hair follicle stem cells to progenitor cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of AGA.

Outcome of surgical management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: review of 33 surgical cases.

PURPOSE: We describe our experience with surgical management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data included 33 BRONJ cases treated surgically by a single surgeon at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. RESULTS: Of the 30 debridement patients, 25 (including 1 sequestrectomy patient who required formal debridement) healed completely. Of the 30 patients who underwent surgical debridement, 18 healed following this initial treatment and remained healed. Of the 4 patients requiring sequestrectomy, 3 healed after the initial treatment. Thus, 28 of 33 patients healed completely with complete mucosal coverage and elimination of pain. Four patients developed occurrence of BRONJ at a separate site. All 4 patients were treated with our surgery protocol and remain healed. Thus, 32 of 37 BRONJ occurrences have healed with our surgical debridement protocol or sequestrectomy. The follow-up range was 1 to 40 months (average 10.7). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our case series have shown that surgical debridement can be successful in treating BRONJ.

Barium periostitis: an intraoral complication following barium swallow.

Barium is used with great frequency for various gastrointestinal radiographic studies. Complications arising from the use of barium are uncommon and can range from peritonitis, pneumonitis, vascular intravasation, allergic reactions, and even "barium appendicitis." We report a case of an unusual complication, periostitis, from the use of barium in a 46-year-old male.

Evaluation of an oral mandibular advancement titration appliance.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a manually adjustable oral mandibular advancement titration appliance (EMA-T) predicts successful long-term treatment with an oral mandibular advancement appliance (MAA). STUDY DESIGN: At an academic medical center, 21 adults with obstructive sleep apnea (AHI > 10 events/hr) performed baseline, titration, and MAA (Klearway) polysomnograms. During the titration polysomnogram with EMA-T, the mandible was advanced until apneas and hypopneas were eliminated or maximum tolerable advancement was reached. Participants then used the MAA at home and, once the mandible was advanced to the amount determined during the titration polysomnogram, a polysomnogram with MAA was performed. RESULTS: Mean AHI at baseline was 33.5 +/- 18.3 (SD) events/hr. During the titration polysomnogram, 9 subjects achieved an AHI < 10 and at least a 50% reduction in AHI. None of the subjects met these criteria on the MAA polysomnogram. CONCLUSIONS: EMA-T lowered the AHI to efficacious levels in 43% of patients but this acute response did not predict the efficacy of long-term MAA treatment.

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) as an indolent B-cell lymphoma. This disease involves a heterogeneous group of B-cell tumors that occurs primarily within the lymph nodes, spleen, or extranodal tissues. Initial MZL treatment consists of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and is associated with a high survival rate when detected early. This article highlights an unusual case of extranodal MZL in the parotid area.

Subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema and pneumo-mediastinum: a rare complication after a crown preparation.

Subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema and pneumo-mediastinum are relatively rare complications from different dental procedures (including oral surgery and restorative treatment). Many cases go unrecognized or are misdiagnosed. While the majority of cases resolve spontaneously, some can lead to life-threatening complications that require emergency intervention. This article presents a case report of subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema following a routine restorative dental procedure. The differential diagnosis and management of this condition is discussed.

Genioplasty.

Genioplasty has been a useful and frequently employed technique in the aesthetic facial surgeon's armamentarium. However, as the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea becomes more apparent and its diagnosis more frequent, genioplasty has also evolved to a commonly performed procedure for reconstruction of the upper airway. This article discusses patient evaluation and surgical techniques used in aesthetic and functional surgery of the chin. Because these topics have been discussed extensively in the literature, this will serve as a synopsis of current techniques.

Extensive pneumatization of the temporal bone and articular eminence: an incidental finding in a patient with facial pain. Case report and review of literature.

A 53-year-old Caucasian female presented to the Oral Medicine Department at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for consultation regarding facial pain. A panoramic radiograph revealed multilocular radiolucencies in the right articular eminence. A CT scan was then performed, and the radiolucencies were determined to be pneumatization of the articular eminence.