Using Auricular Cartilage-fascia Composite Tissue Free Grafting Technique to Improve Cartilage Survival Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Auricular cartilage graft has a wide range of applications in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, there is still a risk of absorption of the grafts over time. Intrinsic postauricular fascia (IPF) with a rich vascular network may play an important role in the nutrition and repair of auricular cartilage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IPF on the survival viability of free auricular cartilage grafts. METHODS: 24 auricular cartilages were obtained from 6 New Zealand white rabbits which were divided into the cartilage-fascia composite graft group (FC group, n=12) and the cartilage without fascia group (C group, n=12). Two groups of cartilage were implanted into each side of the subcutaneous pocket of the rabbit's dorsum. The rabbits were sacrificed after 3 months and all cartilage grafts were obtained. Macroscopic observation, histopathological staining, and biomechanical testing were performed on all specimens. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the 2 groups regarding proliferating chondrocytes, apoptotic chondrocytes, vascularization, and matrix collagen. Compared to the auricular cartilage grafts without fascia, the auricular cartilage-fascia composite grafts had more neovascularization, proliferative chondrocytes, and type II collagen, with a homogeneous cartilage matrix and no obvious areas of heterogeneous staining. Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength of cartilage were reduced in both groups compared to pretransplantation, but the composite graft group was superior to the fascia-free group. CONCLUSIONS: Auricular cartilage-fascial composite tissue free graft could improve cartilage survival outcomes with higher viability and mechanical properties.

3D-CT measurements of facial symmetry in severe CFM patients: A comparative study between mandibular ascending ramus distraction osteogenesis and bone grafting.

This study aims to compare the effects of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and bone grafting on the facial symmetry of children with Pruzansky-Kaban type IIB and III craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Medical records and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data of CFM patients who had primarily undergone MDO and bone grafting were collected. A retrospective analysis of pre-and post-operative 3D imaging data was conducted to compare the improvement rate in facial symmetry between the two groups based on occlusal cant, affected/unaffected ramus height ratio and chin point deviation. The data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. When the data followed a normal distribution, a paired sample t-test was employed for the comparison between preoperative and postoperative data. When the data did not follow a normal distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used for preoperative and postoperative comparison. The study included 18 children with type IIB and III CFM, 11 in the MDO group and 7 in the bone grafting group. In the MDO group, postoperative Gn-FH and Gn-Cor distances increased significantly, whereas the postoperative Gn-Mid distance decreased significantly. Occlusal cant decreased significantly and ramus height affected/unaffected ratio increased significantly after MDO. In the bone graft group, there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative ratios of chin deviation, occlusal cant, and ramus height affected/unaffected compared to the preoperative values. Compared to bone grafting, MDO can significantly enhance ramus height ratio, level occlusal plane, and centralize the chin point among patients with CFM. Furthermore, MDO achieves superior enhancements in facial symmetry.

The association of post-embryo transfer SARS-CoV-2 infection with early pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after embryo transfer on early pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer treatment remains inadequately understood. This knowledge gap endures despite an abundance of studies investigating the repercussions of preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection on early pregnancy outcomes in spontaneous pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer and early pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a single public in vitro fertilization center in China. Female patients aged 20 to 39 years, with a body mass index ranging from 18 to 30 kg/m2, undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, were enrolled between September 2022 and December 2022, with follow-up extended until March 2023. The study tracked SARS-CoV-2 infection time (≤14 days, ≤28 days, and ≤10 weeks after embryo transfer), symptoms, vaccination status, the interval between vaccination and embryo transfer, and early pregnancy outcomes, encompassing biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and early miscarriage rate. The study used single-factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection status, along with other relevant factors, and the early pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 857 female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment were analyzed. In the first stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 14 days after embryo transfer did not have a significant negative association with the biochemical pregnancy rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.09). In the second stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 28 days after embryo transfer had no significant association with the implantation rate (36.6% in infected vs 44.0% in uninfected group; P=.181). No statistically significant association was found with the clinical pregnancy rate after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.09). In the third stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer had no significant association with the early miscarriage rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.71). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer may not be negatively associated with the biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and early miscarriage rate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. It is important to note that these findings are specific to the target population of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients aged 20 to 39 years, without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and with a body mass index of 18 to 30 kg/m2. This information offers valuable insights, addressing current concerns and providing a clearer understanding of the actual risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after embryo transfer.

Analysis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Craniofacial Microsomia Based on Polysomnography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) through polysomnography (PSG) and the relationship with the severity of CFM. METHODS: This study reviewed patients of CFM with pre-operative PSG data between January 2005 and September 2023. Patients were grouped according to the Pruzansky-Kaban classification. OSA was diagnosed and severity was assessed by the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire was used to investigate OSA-related signs and symptoms. The χ 2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare between groups. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with OSA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients with CFM were included in the study with 3 bilateral and 118 unilateral patients. In total, 86 patients (71.07%) were diagnosed with OSA. The prevalence of OSA in type IIa, type IIb and type III was 72.97%, 78.33%, and 47.62%. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of OSA between type IIa and type IIb (p > .05). The difference in the prevalence of OSA between type III and type II was statistically significant (p < .05). Snoring was the most common symptom among the patients of CFM with OSA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CFM have a higher incidence of OSA based on PSG in type II and type III patients. The incidence of OSA did not correlate positively with the severity of CFM, with type III patients having certain particularities.

A Novel Method for one-Stage Repair of the lip Vermilion Defects in Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Progressive hemifacial atrophy often causes lip vermilion defects in patients. In this study, we described a one-stage repair method for lip defects in progressive hemifacial atrophy using a lip vermilion mucosal flap or combined dermal fat flap graft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with progressive hemifacial atrophy with lip vermilion defects from 2010 to 2022 were included in this study. Based on the severity and location of the patient's lip defect, a lip vermilion mucosal flap was designed and transferred to the lip defect or combined with a hip dermal fat flap for one-stage repair of the lip morphology. Lip morphology and function of patients were followed up after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were enrolled in this study, including 15 patients with lip defects on the upper lip alone and 7 patients with both upper and lower lip defects. Follow-up six months to two years postoperatively, all patients recovered uneventfully without complications. The repaired lips of the patient had a full and symmetrical morphology with no visible scarring. Two patients experienced transient dysesthesia of the lips postoperatively and both returned to normal after three months. All patients had good lip closure with normal dietary and speech function. CONCLUSIONS: The method we described for repairing lip defects in progressive hemifacial atrophy can achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional lip results. The distinct advantage of this approach is that the patients undergo only one-stage operation and it can be used to repair both upper and lower lip defects.

Adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after COVID-19 vaccination: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: As the world's population of people vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine increases, adverse reactions are increasingly being reported. There have been progressive reports of the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on cosmetic fillers or prostheses, but they have not been reviewed based on their clinical morphologic patterns. This article reviewed the progress of research on adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: We researched the English-language literature up to October 15, 2022, using predefined keywords to identify relevant studies about adverse reactions to cosmetic implants after the COVID-19 vaccination, collecting patient characteristics, implant type, the time interval between vaccination and implantation or injection, time of onset, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: Among the adverse reactions to implants associated with COVID-19 vaccination, we distinguished between (1) injectable fillers and (2) surgical prosthetic implants. The most common adverse reactions were at the site of hyaluronic acid injection and breast prosthesis after Pfizer vaccination, mainly DIRs, and mainly manifested as edema, rash, fever, and capsular contracture. This paper also reported the possible causes, treatments of DIRs, and limitations of current studies. CONCLUSIONS: In this article, we attempted to investigate and discuss all the adverse reactions of cosmetic implants related to COVID-19 vaccination in the current literature, to unmask these reactions and make a more accurate assessment of vaccine safety.

The Practical Access to Fluoroalkylated Pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines by Fluoroalkyl-Promoted [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction.

The efficient synthesis of fluoroalkylated pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines by reactions of 3-diazoindolin-2-ones with methyl ß-fluoroalkylpropionates has been achieved. This protocol affords two regioisomers of fluoroalkylated pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines with excellent yields in total. The dipolarophilicity of methyl ß-fluoroalkylpropionates enhanced by perfluoroalkyl groups is crucial for the high efficiency of this [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.

Respiratory outcome of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on obstructive sleep apnea in craniofacial microsomia: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) on respiratory function in CFM patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) according to polysomnography (PSG). This study retrospectively analyzed patients with CFM who underwent PSG before surgery and after completion of mandible distraction. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to assess patients' signs and symptoms related to OSA. The obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) were imported into SPSS version 26.0. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the differences in PSG before and after MDO. Other data were described using descriptive statistics. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 25 unilateral CFM patients were included in this study. Most patients (72%) had mild OSA; moderate and severe OSA were 12% and 16%, respectively. Snoring (52%) was the most common symptom among these patients. After completion of mandibular distraction, snoring and other OSA-related symptoms were significantly improved. Twelve patients had normalized PSG and the severity of OSA improved significantly in 3 patients. The total effective rate of MDO for OSA was 60%. The statistical results showed that OAHI (P = 0.045) decreased and LSaO2 (P = 0.009) increased significantly compared to preoperative values. MDO can improve OSA-related symptoms in CFM patients. In addition, respiratory function was improved in most patients after MDO, based on PSG. CFM patients, especially those with OSA, can benefit from MDO.

Effect of serum progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day / metaphase II oocyte ratio on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing ICSI cycle.

BACKGROUND: The serum progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day / metaphase II oocyte (P/MII) ratio might be a more predictable indicator of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes as compare to P/estradiol (E2) or P alone. Hence, we conducted a larger population study to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in the low and high P/MII ratio. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, larger population cohort study between January 2015 and August 2021. Calculate the threshold effect of P/MII ratio on clinical pregnancy rate according to the construct smooth curve fitting. Divide data into two groups by threshold for comparison. RESULTS: 3566 fresh ICSI-ET cycles were included, in which 929 singleton delivery and 676 twin deliveries. Compare to P/MII ≤ 0.367 group, it indicated that the P/MII > 0.367 group had a lower clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, furthermore, a significantly higher rate of LBW and SGA were observed in the singleton and twin deliveries. No deleterious impact of high P/MII ratio on embryo quality and undesirable pregnancy outcomes was shown. CONCLUSIONS: When P/MII is higher than 0.367, may have adverse impacts on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for ICSI cycle.

Tessier's Cleft Number 6 Revisited: A Series of 26 new Cases and Literature Review of 44.

OBJECTIVE: To fix a gray zone left in Tessier's classification of rare clefts with cleft 6 and to give a more comprehensive description of cleft 6 anatomy. DESIGN: The material used for the research was a series of 26 clinical cases of patients with assessed cleft 6 and 44 cases found out of a literature review with enough data to be useful. The 70 cases were cross-examined by the authors. STUDY SETTING: The authors are senior craniofacial surgeons working in high-case load department from university centers where the patients are documented and receive primary as well as secondary treatment and follow-up. PATIENTS: The patients were selected out of the series of craniofacial deformities taken care of by the authors' department as rare clefts. MAIN OUTCOME: We describe the full spectrum of cleft 6 as an autonomous entity that could present itself in three subtypes: 6a is the most proximal and could be associated with cleft 8. The subtype 6b is medial toward the zygomatic arch and frequently associated with a bone and teeth appendage (frequently described as a "maxillary duplication"). The subtype 6C goes toward the external ear between the helix crus and the auditory meatus. CONCLUSIONS: The Tessier's opinion is that Treacher Collins syndrome was the association of clefts 6, 7, and 8 and is no longer sustainable in the light of modern genetics. Most of the cleft 6 are misdiagnosed in the literature.

Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Temporomandibular Joint in Pruzansky-Kaban Type IIa Hemifacial Microsomia.

OBJECTIVE: This observational retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in type IIa hemifacial microsomia (HFM). METHODS: We recruited 88 patients with unilateral type IIa HFM. Data relating to the length, distance, and angle of the TMJ, were measured on 3-dimensional models created by the analysis of computed tomography data. Normality analysis was performed by using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Data were compared with the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The height, long axis, and short axis of the affected condyle were significantly shorter than the unaffected side ( P <0.001); the ratios were 0.41±0.15, 0.75±0.20, and 0.95±0.24, respectively. The spaces between the condyle and the glenoid fossa were significantly larger in affected TMJs ( P <0.001). The ratio between the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior space in the sagittal plane was 4.62±2.59; this was significantly different than the ratio of inner space (1.50±1.70), superior space (1.70±0.97), and lateral space (1.28±0.62) in the coronal plane ( P <0.001) and the ratio of superior space (1.43±1.05) and posterior space (1.47±0.98) in the sagittal plane ( P <0.001); there were no statistical differences between the 5 spaces ( P >0.05). The breadth and depth of the glenoid fossa were significantly shorter in affected TMJs ( P <0.001), the ratio of the breadth in the affected and unaffected glenoid fossa was between 0.5 and 1 and the depth of the affected glenoid fossa was almost half of that on the unaffected side. The ratio between the ipsilateral and contralateral height of the condyle was significantly different when compared with the length of the mandibular ramus ( P <0.001). The ratio between the ipsilateral height of the condyle and the length of the mandibular ramus was significantly different when compared with that of the contralateral side ( P <0.001). The height of the affected condyle were significantly different ( P =0.005) among different ages. CONCLUSIONS: We found that hypoplasia was more severe in terms of the height of the condyle than the long axis and short axis of the condyle. The degree of condyle deformity was more severe than the mandible. And the affected condyle still had growth potential in the vertical direction with age.

The safety and feasibility of preoperative induction therapy of Savolitinib in non-small cell lung cancer patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutation.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection is one of the preferred treatment option for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For patients with mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) factor exon 14 skipping (METex14) mutations, the use of MET-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) showed high efficiency and reduced toxicity compared with first-line standard chemotherapy. However, it is unknown whether preoperative induction targeted therapy of MET-TKIs is feasible and safe. METHODS: Here, we reported 3 cases of locally advanced unresectable NSCLC with METex14 mutations receiving induction therapy of MET-TKI savolitinib as first-line therapy or second-line therapy when they experienced disease progression after preoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: All these 3 patients achieved significant tumor size shrinkage and their unresectable tumors became resectable after the treatment of savolitinib. No serious adverse events were observed during the treatment. They recovered well postoperatively, and no significant events were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative induction treatment with MET-TKI savolitinib showed its safety and effectiveness and may be an alternative option for neoadjuvant therapy for NSCLC patients with METex14 mutations.

Low LH level does not indicate poor IVF cycle outcomes with GnRh-a single trigger: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycle outcomes between patients with low and normal serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on the day after a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) single trigger. We further investigated the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) retrigger on IVF cycle outcomes in patients with low LH levels after GnRH-a single trigger. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 957 infertile patients (tubal factor, ovulation disorders, male sperm factor, or unexplained infertility) who were treated with IVF/ICSI at the Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital from July 2017 to December 2020. Patients received sufficient GnRH-a single trigger were divided into two groups based on the serum LH levels on the next day of trigger: normal serum LH levels (≥ 10 mIU/mL) group (control group, n = 906) and low LH levels (< 10 mIU/mL) group (experimental group, n = 51). And the efficacy of hCG retrigger on IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes in 10 patients with low LH levels after GnRH-a single trigger. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes, including egg yield, two pronuclei fertilization rate, excellent embryo rate, or live birth rate of frozen-thawed embryos between patients with low and normal LH levels after GnRH-a trigger. It showed significantly higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the group of low LH levels [ 0.7%(1/137) vs. 8.5%(4/47), P = 0.016] compared with the group of normal LH levels who received GnRH-a single trigger. The hCG retrigger had no obvious efficacy on cycle outcomes in patients with low LH levels, including oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo conditions, and live birth rate of frozen-thawed cycles. CONCLUSION: The IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes of patients with low LH levels on the day after GnRH-a administration were similar to those of patients with normal LH levels. Blood LH test might not be required on the day following the trigger. The hCG retrigger did not have any effect on the cycle outcomes, suggesting that immediate retriggering with hCG was unnecessary.

An Individualized Recommendation for Controlled Ovary Stimulation Protocol in Women Who Received the GnRH Agonist Long-Acting Protocol or the GnRH Antagonist Protocol: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The GnRH agonist long-acting protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol are widely used in ovarian stimulation. Which protocol eliciting higher live birth rate for IVF/ICSI patients with different ages, different ovarian reserves and different body mass index (BMI) has not been studied. However, among these protocols, the one that elicits higher live birth in IVF/ICSI patients with different ages, ovarian reserves and body mass indexes (BMI) has not been identified. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study about 8579 women who underwent the first IVF-ET from January, 2018 to August, 2021. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to improve the comparability between two protocols. Results: After PSM, significant higher live birth rates were found in the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol compared to GnRH antagonist protocol (44.04% vs. 38.32%) (p<0.001). Stratified analysis showed that for those with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and were aged ≥ 30 years old, and for those women with BMI < 24kg/m2 and were aged ≥30 years whose AMH levels were ≤ 3ng/ml, the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol was more likely to elicit live births [OR (95%CI), 2.13(1.19,3.80)], [OR (95%CI), 1.41(1.05,1.91)]. However, among women with BMI ≥ 24kg/m2 and were aged ≥30 years whose AMH levels were ≤ 3ng/ml, the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol had a lower possibility of eliciting live births [OR (95%CI), 0.54(0.32,0.90)]. Also, among women with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and with age < 30 years and for those with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, regardless of age, and with BMI<24kg/m2,, the possibility of live births was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI), 1.06(0.60,1.89)], [OR (95%CI), 1.38(0.97,1.97)], [OR (95%CI), 0.99(0.72,1.37)]. Among the women with AMH levels ≤ 3 ng/ml and with were aged < 30years, regardless of BMI, the possibility of live birth was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI), 1.02(0.68,1.54)], [OR (95%CI), 1.43(0.68,2.98)]. Moreover, among women with AMH levels ≥ 6ng/ml, the possibility of live birth was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI),1.42(0.75,2.69)], [OR (95%CI),1.02(0.19,5.35)], [OR (95%CI), 1.68(0.81,3.51)], [OR (95%CI), 0.51(0.10,2.55)]. Conclusions: The suitability of the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol or GnRH antagonist protocol to infertility patients is dependent on specific biological characteristics of the patients.

TFA-Promoted Intermolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Arenes with 2,2,2-Trifluoroethylaryl Sulfoxides.

The classical Pummerer rearrangement of 2,2,2-trifluoroethylaryl sulfoxide with trifluoracetic anhydride (TFAA) affords the S,O-acetal efficiently. In the presence of trifluoracetic acid (TFA) as the co-solvent, the S,O-acetal can regenerate reactive thionium intermediate of Pummerer rearrangement. When employing arenes as nucleophiles, this strategy produces corresponding 1-thiyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl arenes with excellent yields under metal-free conditions.

Recombinant Rice Quiescin Sulfhydryl Oxidase Strengthens the Gluten Structure through Thiol/Disulfide Exchange and Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation.

Recombinant rice quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (rQSOX) has the potential to improve the flour processing quality, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The effects of rQSOX on bread quality, dough rheology, and gluten structure and composition, with glucose oxidase as a positive control, were investigated. rQSOX addition could improve the dough processing quality, as proved by enhanced viscoelastic properties of dough as well as a softer crumb, higher specific volume, and lower moisture loss of bread. These beneficial effects were attributed to gluten protein polymerization and gluten network strengthening, evidenced by the improved concentration of SDS-insoluble gluten and formation of large gluten aggregates and the increased α-helix and ß-turn conformation. Furthermore, decreased free sulfhydryl and increased dityrosine in gluten as well as improved H2O2 content in dough suggested that the rQSOX dough strengthening mechanism was mainly based on the formation of disulfide bonds and dityrosine cross-links in gluten by both thiol/disulfide direct exchange and hydrogen peroxide indirect oxidation pathways.

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis First for Children With Severe Unilateral Hemifacial Microsomia: Treatment Strategy and Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: The treatment for severe hemifacial microsomia (HFM), especially type III case, is extremely difficult. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) was rarely used as the primary choice in the treatment of severe type cases. The authors sought to observe the short-term therapeutic outcomes of patients with severe unilateral HFM who underwent MDO first.A retrospective study of children underwent MDO or later received costochondral graft (CCG) for severe unilateral HFM from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. Cephalometric measurements and clinical variables were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of MDO first strategy for severe cases and compare disparity between Pruzansky-Kaban classification type IIb and type III groups.Thirty-six patients (23 males and 13 females) underwent MDO first for severe HFM were included for analysis in the present study. The average age at MDO was 8.33 ±â€Š2.03 years. At the last follow-up, MDO acquired significant improvement in mandibular height, maxillary cant, chin deviation, lip commissural line tilt, and clinical chin deviation (P < 0.05). Distraction results were stable during the short-term follow-up in terms of the mandibular height ratio and maxillary cant (P > 0.05).MDO is a proper primary method for suitable type IIb and type III HFM cases. MDO can immediately and significantly improve the facial skeleton deficiency, extend the associated soft tissue at the same time, and lay foundation for secondary surgery. MDO can achieve the downgrade of HFM deficiency severity. MDO followed by costochondral graft can get satisfactory esthetic and structural consequence for type III patients.

Effect of artificial cycle with or without GnRH-a pretreatment on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with PCOS after frozen embryo transfer: a propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: In frozen embryo transfer (FET), there is limited consensus on the best means of endometrial preparation in terms of the reproductive outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present study aimed to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes following artificial cycle FET (AC-FET) with or without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) pretreatment among women with PCOS. METHODS: A total of 4503 FET cycles that satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study between 2015 and 2020. The GnRH-a group received GnRH-a pretreatment while the AC-FET group did not. Propensity score matching (PSM) method and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to adjust for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: After PSM, women in the GnRH-a group suffered a significantly lower miscarriage rate (11.2% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.033) and a higher live birth rate (LBR) compared with those in the AC-FET group (63.1% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.043). No differences were observed in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy between the two groups. A higher mean gestational age at birth was observed in the GnRH-a group than in the AC-FET group (39.80 ± 2.01 vs. 38.17 ± 2.13, P = 0.009). The incidence of neonatal preterm birth (PTB) in the GnRH-a group was lower than that in the AC-FET group (7.4% vs. 14.9%, P = 0.009). Singleton newborns conceived after GnRH-a group were more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA) than those born after AC-FET group (16.4% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.009). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of mean birthweight, apgar score, the rates of macrosomia, large for gestational age and low birth weight. CONCLUSION(S): In women with PCOS who underwent AC-FET, GnRH-a pretreatment was significantly associated with a higher live birth rate and a reduced risk of neonatal PTB. However, there was a concomitant increase in the risk of developing SGA babies.

Crouzon Syndrome Anatomy, Usefulness of Vestibular Orientation.

ABSTRACT: Spatial resolution of computerized tomographic scanner has reached a level to which accurate anatomic measurements could be done in. Three-dimensional accurate measurements require a reliable referential system. In craniology landmarks are usually selected in the skull base. For craniofacial malformation the classical landmarks are of no help so the authors have used the vestibular orientation to study a series of 50 Crouzon syndrome computerized tomographic scan and compare the results (shape, position, linear mensuration, volumes…) with 122 controls in unaffected patients. The authors have confirmed Crouzon description of a high level of polymorphism in phenotypes, the authors propose an organigram to understand the abnormal growth patterns in crouzon syndrome, which lead to such consequences. This polymorphism implies that the planning of surgical treatment should be tailored for each case.

Three-Dimensional Morphology and Configuration Analyses of the Craniovertebral Junction in Children with Hemifacial Microsomia.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational and morphological study with three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) analysis. OBJECTIVE: To discover the morphology and configuration deformities of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and upper cervical spine in children with unilateral hemifacial microsomia (HFM). To determine whether there are specific HFM patients who are at higher risk of certain cervical vertebral anomaly. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The evaluation for cervical vertebrae anomaly in HFM children, especially in CVJ region, is underreported. METHODS: Eighty-eight unilateral HFM children (64 males, 24 females) with four Pruzansky-Kaban types (I, Ila, Ilb, and III) underwent cranial and cervical CT scanning from skull to C5 in neutral position. The 3D morphology and configuration of the occipital condyle, atlas, and axis, etc. were evaluated on the presence of deformed detailed structures of CVJ region. RESULTS: No C1 deformation was found in type I group. Six (14.3%) type Ila cases, seven (33.3%) type IIb cases, and six (37.5%) type Ill cases had lateral masses asymmetry of C1 (P  < 0.05). Five (55.6%) type I cases, 17 (40.5%) type Ila cases, 12 (57.1%) type Ilb cases, and 10 (62.5%) type Ill cases had C2 anomaly (P > 0.05). The incidence rate of C1-C2 instability for four groups were 33.3% (type I), 33.3% (type IIa), 33.3% (type IIb), and 31.3% (type Ill), respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For HFM children, the incidence of C1 deformation increased from type I to type Ill. The probability of C2 anomaly and C1-C2 instability in children with different types of HFM is nearly the same. The craniovertebral junction of every HFM child must be monitored carefully for C1-C2 instability before any surgical procedure to avoid atlantoaxial dislocation and spinal cord injury.Level of Evidence: N/A.