Sea-Ice Bacteria Halomonas sp. Strain 363 and Paracoccus sp. Strain 392 Produce Multiple Types of Poly-3-Hydroxyalkaonoic Acid (PHA) Storage Polymers at Low Temperature.

Poly-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids (PHAs) are bacterial storage polymers commonly used in bioplastic production. Halophilic bacteria are industrially interesting organisms, as their salinity tolerance and psychrophilic nature lowers sterility requirements and subsequent production costs. We investigated PHA synthesis in two bacterial strains, Halomonas sp. 363 and Paracoccus sp. 392, isolated from Southern Ocean sea ice and elucidated the related PHA biopolymer accumulation and composition with various approaches, such as transcriptomics, microscopy, and chromatography. We show that both bacterial strains produce PHAs at 4°C when the availability of nitrogen and/or oxygen limited growth. The genome of Halomonas sp. 363 carries three phaC synthase genes and transcribes genes along three PHA pathways (I to III), whereas Paracoccus sp. 392 carries only one phaC gene and transcribes genes along one pathway (I). Thus, Halomonas sp. 363 has a versatile repertoire of phaC genes and pathways enabling production of both short- and medium-chain-length PHA products. IMPORTANCE Plastic pollution is one of the most topical threats to the health of the oceans and seas. One recognized way to alleviate the problem is to use degradable bioplastic materials in high-risk applications. PHA is a promising bioplastic material as it is nontoxic and fully produced and degraded by bacteria. Sea ice is an interesting environment for prospecting novel PHA-producing organisms, since traits advantageous to lower production costs, such as tolerance for high salinities and low temperatures, are common. We show that two sea-ice bacteria, Halomonas sp. 363 and Paracoccus sp. 392, are able to produce various types of PHA from inexpensive carbon sources. Halomonas sp. 363 is an especially interesting PHA-producing organism, since it has three different synthesis pathways to produce both short- and medium-chain-length PHAs.

A Semi-supervised Learning-Based Diagnostic Classification Method Using Artificial Neural Networks.

The purpose of cognitive diagnostic modeling (CDM) is to classify students' latent attribute profiles using their responses to the diagnostic assessment. In recent years, each diagnostic classification model (DCM) makes different assumptions about the relationship between a student's response pattern and attribute profile. The previous research studies showed that the inappropriate DCMs and inaccurate Q-matrix impact diagnostic classification accuracy. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been proposed as a promising approach to convert a pattern of item responses into a diagnostic classification in some research studies. However, the ANNs methods produced very unstable and unappreciated estimation unless a great deal of care was taken. In this research, we combined ANNs with two typical DCMs, the deterministic-input, noisy, "and" gate (DINA) model and the deterministic-inputs, noisy, "or" gate (DINO) model, within a semi-supervised learning framework to achieve a robust and accurate classification. In both simulated study and real data study, the experimental results showed that the proposed method could achieve appreciated performance across different test conditions, especially when the diagnostic quality of assessment was not high and the Q-matrix contained misspecified elements. This research study is the first time of applying the thinking of semi-supervised learning into CDM. Also, we used the validating test to choose the appropriate parameters for the ANNs instead of using typical statistical criteria.

Mucosal impact of alcoholic povidone-iodine indicated in preoperative disinfection.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic povidone-iodine (API) used as skin disinfection reduces the risk of postoperative infection but there is no evidence for its use on mucous membranes. We therefore conducted a tolerance study on the glans of men operated in urology. AIM: To confirm the safety of using API on mucous membranes. METHODS: The impact of applying API on the glans mucosa was measured using a chromameter. Caucasian men, without any dermatological lesion of the glans, operated by endoscopic transurethral route, were included. Measurements (L*a*b*) were made preoperatively and postoperatively by an independent person. Parameters were compared using the recognized formula ΔE = √(ΔL2 + Δa2 + Δb2). FINDINGS: Ninety-six patients, average age 68.9 ± 10.4 years, were included. For L*, the mean pre- and postoperative difference was +2.36 (P = 0.168). For a* and b*, the mean pre- and postoperative differences were +0.13 (P = 0.9085) and -0.12 (P = 0.17089), respectively. ΔE was equal to 13.92 ± 17.49 (non-significant difference). CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to analyse the impact of API on genital mucous membranes. In our study conditions, API had no impact on the mucous membranes, suggesting that it can be used safely.

Assessing Growth in a Diagnostic Classification Model Framework.

A common assessment research design is the single-group pre-test/post-test design in which examinees are administered an assessment before instruction and then another assessment after instruction. In this type of study, the primary objective is to measure growth in examinees, individually and collectively. In an item response theory (IRT) framework, longitudinal IRT models can be used to assess growth in examinee ability over time. In a diagnostic classification model (DCM) framework, assessing growth translates to measuring changes in attribute mastery status over time, thereby providing a categorical, criterion-referenced interpretation of growth. This study introduces the Transition Diagnostic Classification Model (TDCM), which combines latent transition analysis with the log-linear cognitive diagnosis model to provide methodology for analyzing growth in a general DCM framework. Simulation study results indicate that the proposed model is flexible, provides accurate and reliable classifications, and is quite robust to violations to measurement invariance over time. The TDCM is used to analyze pre-test/post-test data from a diagnostic mathematics assessment.

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q).

ASD knowledge deficits contribute to disparities in the timing and quality of ASD services. To address the limitations with existing measures of ASD knowledge, we developed and examined the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q), which comprehensively assesses multiple subdomains of ASD knowledge while maintaining strong psychometric support and cross-cultural utility. ASK-Q items derived from the published research are organized into four subscales: (i) diagnosis, (ii) etiology, (iii) treatment, and (iv) stigma. ASK-Q items were selected based on ratings of face, construct, and cross-cultural validity by a group of 16 international researchers. Using Diagnostic Classification Modeling we confirmed the proposed factor structure and evaluated the statistical validity of each item among a lay sample of 617 participants.

Clonal Analysis of Regulatory T Cell Defect in Patients with Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1 Suggests Intrathymic Impairment.

Mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene disrupt thymic T cell development and negative selection, leading to the recessively inherited polyendocrine autoimmune disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). The patients also have a functional defect in the FOXP3+ regulatory T cell population, but its origin is unclear. Here, we have used T cell receptor sequencing to analyse the clonal relationship of major CD4+ T cell subsets in three patients and three healthy controls. The naive regulatory T cells showed little overlap with helper T cell subsets, supporting divergence in the thymus. The activated/memory regulatory T cell subset displayed more sharing with helper T cells, but was mainly recruited from the naive regulatory T cell population. These clonal patterns were very similar in both patients and controls. However, naive regulatory T cells isolated from the patients had a significantly longer T cell receptor complementarity-determining region 3 than any other population, suggesting failure of thymic selection. These data indicate that the peripheral differentiation of regulatory T cells in APS-1 patients is not different from that in healthy controls. Rather, the patients' naive regulatory T cells may have an intrinsic defect imprinted already in the thymus.

Female Baltic herring Clupea harengus allocate resources from growth to reproduction in poor feeding conditions.

The trade-off between somatic growth and reproduction in the female Baltic herring Clupea harengus was investigated from 1984 to 2002. During the study period, growth decreased, as a consequence of decreasing salinity and weakening of feeding conditions. Production of muscle and ovarian tissue decreased in repeat spawners, but investment in reproduction took an increasing amount of the total production of new tissues. This suggested that a shift in allocation to reproduction takes precedence over body growth in the reproductive strategy of C. harengus. The process also indicated one possible mechanism leading to dwarf forms in fish populations.

An experimental and theoretical study of the gas phase kinetics of atomic chlorine reactions with CH3NH2, (CH3)2NH, and (CH3)3N.

The rate coefficients for the reactions of Cl((2)PJ) with methylamine (R1), dimethylamine (R2) and trimethylamine (R3) have been measured using the laser flash photolysis - resonance fluorescence technique as a function of temperature (274-435 K) and pressure (25-400 Torr N2). The experimental data are well-represented by the following temperature- and pressure-independent rate coefficients (10(10) × k/cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)): kR1 = 2.90 ± 0.44, kR2 = 3.89 ± 0.58, kR3 = 3.68 ± 0.55; the uncertainties are estimates of accuracy at the 95% confidence level. Potential energy surfaces (PES) for the reactions have been characterized at the MP2/cc-pVTZ level and improved single point energies of stationary points obtained in CCSD(T)-F12a calculations. The PES for all reactions are characterized by the formation of pre and post reaction complexes and submerged barriers. Rate coefficients for the reactions were calculated as a function of temperature and pressure using a master equation model based on the coupled cluster theory results. The calculated rate coefficients are in good agreement with experiment; the overall rate coefficients are relatively insensitive to variations of the barrier heights within typical chemical accuracy, but the predicted branching ratios vary significantly. The inclusion of tunnelling has no effect.

The Effects of Q-Matrix Design on Classification Accuracy in the Log-Linear Cognitive Diagnosis Model.

Diagnostic classification models are psychometric models that aim to classify examinees according to their mastery or non-mastery of specified latent characteristics. These models are well-suited for providing diagnostic feedback on educational assessments because of their practical efficiency and increased reliability when compared with other multidimensional measurement models. A priori specifications of which latent characteristics or attributes are measured by each item are a core element of the diagnostic assessment design. This item-attribute alignment, expressed in a Q-matrix, precedes and supports any inference resulting from the application of the diagnostic classification model. This study investigates the effects of Q-matrix design on classification accuracy for the log-linear cognitive diagnosis model. Results indicate that classification accuracy, reliability, and convergence rates improve when the Q-matrix contains isolated information from each measured attribute.

Molecular characterization of the first commercial transgenic common bean immune to the Bean golden mosaic virus.

Golden mosaic of common bean is caused by the Bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV). The disease is one of the greatest constraints on bean production in Latin America and causes significant yield losses. The RNAi concept was explored to silence the rep (AC1) viral gene and a transgenic bean line immune to BGMV upon inoculation at high pressure was previously generated. Identification of the transgene insert confirmed the presence of a single locus corresponding to two intact copies of the RNAi cassette in opposite orientation and three intact copies of the AtAhas gene. It is flanked by Phaseolus genomic sequences and interspersed by one nuclear and three chloroplastic genomic sequences. Southern analyses showed that the transgenes were structurally stable for eight self-pollinated generations and after backcrosses with a non transgenic commercial variety. Transgene expression analyses revealed similar levels of siRNA in leaves of transgenic plants cultivated under field conditions in three distinct regions. siRNA were also analyzed during seed development in common bean transgenic plants. siRNA signals were also detected in seeds, albeit at significantly lower levels than those observed in leaves, and could not be detected in seeds cooked during 10 min. This information is relevant to demonstrate that GM beans are free of siRNA signals after cooking and therefore suitable for human consumption. Additionally, characterization of the locus where the transgene was integrated in the common bean genome provides a valuable tool to trace this GM bean material in the field and in the market.

Temperament, character and serotonin activity in the human brain: a positron emission tomography study based on a general population cohort.

BACKGROUND: The psychobiological model of personality by Cloninger and colleagues originally hypothesized that interindividual variability in the temperament dimension 'harm avoidance' (HA) is explained by differences in the activity of the brain serotonin system. We assessed brain serotonin transporter (5-HTT) density in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET) in healthy individuals with high or low HA scores using an 'oversampling' study design. Method Subjects consistently in either upper or lower quartiles for the HA trait were selected from a population-based cohort in Finland (n = 2075) with pre-existing Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) scores. A total of 22 subjects free of psychiatric and somatic disorders were included in the matched high- and low-HA groups. The main outcome measure was regional 5-HTT binding potential (BPND) in high- and low-HA groups estimated with PET and [11C]N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-methylphenylthio)benzylamine ([11C]MADAM). In secondary analyses, 5-HTT BPND was correlated with other TCI dimensions. RESULTS: 5-HTT BPND did not differ between high- and low-HA groups in the midbrain or any other brain region. This result remained the same even after adjusting for other relevant TCI dimensions. Higher 5-HTT BPND in the raphe nucleus predicted higher scores in 'self-directedness'. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support an association between the temperament dimension HA and serotonin transporter density in healthy subjects. However, we found a link between high serotonin transporter density and high 'self-directedness' (ability to adapt and control one's behaviour to fit situations in accord with chosen goals and values). We suggest that biological factors are more important in explaining variability in character than previously thought.

Carbohydrate and nitrogen stores in Festuca paniculata under mowing explain dominance in subalpine grasslands.

Cessation of traditional management threatens semi-natural grassland diversity through the colonisation or increase of competitive species adapted to nutrient-poor conditions. Regular mowing is one practice that controls their abundance. This study evaluated the ecophysiological mechanisms limiting short- and long-term recovery after mowing for Festuca paniculata, a competitive grass that takes over subalpine grasslands in the Alps following cessation of mowing. We quantified temporal variations in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, starch, fructan and total soluble sugars in leaves, stem bases and roots of F. paniculata during one growth cycle in mown and unmown fields and related them to the dynamics of soil mineral N concentration and soil moisture. Short-term results suggest that the regrowth of F. paniculata following mowing might be N-limited, first because of N dilution by C increments in the plant tissue, and second, due to low soil mineral N and soil moisture at this time of year. However, despite short-term effects of mowing on plant growth, C and N content and concentration at the beginning of the following growing season were not affected. Nevertheless, total biomass accumulation at peak standing biomass was largely reduced compared to unmown fields. Moreover, lower C storage capacity at the end of the growing season impacted C allocation to vegetative reproduction during winter, thereby dramatically limiting the horizontal growth of F. paniculata tussocks in the long term. We conclude that mowing reduces the growth of F. paniculata tussocks through both C and N limitation. Such results will help understanding how plant responses to defoliation regulate competitive interactions within plant communities.

Comparison of microbial communities in marinated and unmarinated broiler meat by metagenomics.

Most raw poultry sold in Finland at the retail level is mixed with marinades containing oil, sugar, spices and acetic acid and packaged under modified atmosphere. Premature spoilage of marinated poultry preparations has been observed and associated with high levels of Leuconostoc spp. in meat. In this study we investigated whether marination of broiler fillet strips increased the proportion of Leuconostoc spp. in the microbial communities. To obtain a comprehensive view of the microbiota, we sequenced total DNA and 16S rRNA gene amplicons from the microbial communities. The lactic acid bacterial communities were characterized also by identification of colonies. The results showed that marinade increased the proportions of the spoilage-associated Leuconostoc gasicomitatum in the communities as well as the proportions of Leuconostoc gelidum and Lactobacillus spp. The proportions of Carnobacterium, Vagococcus, Brochothrix thrermosphacta, Clostridium, Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrio were diminished in marinated meat. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons resulted in 312 and 284 operational taxonomical units (dissimilarity 0.03) in unmarinated and marinated meat, respectively, indicating that the meat communities were more diverse than hitherto shown. Metagenomic analysis revealed a number of bacterial taxa that have not been associated with late shelf-life meat before, including Vagococcus and Vibrio that belonged to the predominating part of the microbial community in unmarinated meat. According to the functional analysis of the metagenomes, the communities in both marinated and unmarinated poultry were characterized by high proportions (15.6% or 17.9%) of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

Neuropathic complications after 157 procedures of continuous popliteal nerve block for hallux valgus surgery. A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB), in particular at the popliteal fossa, is widely used in orthopedic surgery, allowing good postoperative analgesia. Possible neuropathic complications, however, remain poorly known. OBJECTIVE: To review the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy (PN) after sciatic CPNB at the popliteal fossa, estimating prevalence, severity, evolution and possible risk factors, especially those relating to the procedure. METHODS: Retrospective study of PN associated with popliteal fossa CPNB for hallux valgus surgery, between November 1st, 2005 and November 1st, 2009. All procedures were analyzed (type of anesthesia, approach, nerve location technique, number of procedures by operator) with, for each case of PN, analysis of clinical and electromyographic data. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven sciatic CPNBs were performed (92% women; mean age, 55 years). The approach was lateral (n=62), posterior (n=74) or unknown (n=21). Ultrasound guidance was combined to neurostimulation for 69 patients (44%). Three women (prevalence=1.91%), aged 19, 24 and 65 years respectively, developed associated common superficial peroneal and sural nerve injury (2), axonal on electromyography, with motor (n=1) and/or sensory (n=3) residual dysfunction. DISCUSSION: The higher prevalence found in the present study than in the literature (0 to 0.5%) raises questions of methodological bias or technical problems. The common peroneal and sural nerves seem to be exposed, unlike the tibial. Several mechanisms can be suggested: anesthetic neurotoxicity, direct mechanical lesion, or tourniquet-related ischemia and conduction block. Further studies are necessary to determine the ideal anesthetic procedure. CONCLUSION: Patients should be informed of the potential risk, however rare, even during mild surgery. The best possible technique should be implemented, with reinforced surveillance.

In vivo trans-specific gene silencing in fungal cells by in planta expression of a double-stranded RNA.

BACKGROUND: Self-complementary RNA transcripts form a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that triggers a sequence-specific mRNA degradation, in a process known as RNA interference (RNAi), leading to gene silencing. In vascular plants, RNAi molecules trafficking occur between cells and systemically throughout the plant. RNAi signals can spread systemically throughout a plant, even across graft junctions from transgenic to non-transgenic stocks. There is also a great interest in applying RNAi to pathogenic fungi. Specific inhibition of gene expression by RNAi has been shown to be suitable for a multitude of phytopathogenic filamentous fungi. However, double-stranded (ds)RNA/small interfering (si)RNA silencing effect has not been observed in vivo. RESULTS: This study demonstrates for the first time the in vivo interference phenomenon in the pathogenic fungus Fusarium verticillioides, in which expression of an individual fungal transgene was specifically abolished by inoculating mycelial cells in transgenic tobacco plants engineered to express siRNAs from a dsRNA corresponding to the particular transgene. CONCLUSION: The results provide a powerful tool for further studies on molecular plant-microbe and symbiotic interactions. From a biotechnological perspective, silencing of fungal genes by generating siRNAs in the host provides a novel strategy for the development of broad fungi-resistance strategies in plants and other organisms.

Risk factors contributing to symptomatic miniplate removal: a retrospective study of 153 bilateral sagittal split osteotomy patients.

Removal of miniplates is a controversial topic in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Originally, miniplates were designed to be removed on completion of bone healing. The introduction of low profile titanium miniplates has led to the routine removal of miniplates becoming comparatively rare in many parts of the world. Few studies have investigated the reasons for non-routine removal of miniplates and the factors that affect osteosynthesis after osteotomy in large numbers of patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate complications related to osteosynthesis after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) in a large number (n=153) of patients. In addition to the rates of removal, emphasis was placed on investigating the reasons and risk factors associated with symptomatic miniplate removal. The rate of plate removal per patient was 18.6%, the corresponding rate per plate being 18.2%. Reasons for plate removal included plate-related complications in 16 patients and subjective discomfort in 13 patients. Half of the plates were removed during the first postoperative year. Smoking was the only significant predictor for plate removal. Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery should be screened with regard to smoking and encouraged and assisted to cease smoking, at least perioperatively.

[Anaphylactic shock due to patent blue: four case report and review of literature]. / Choc anaphylactique et bleu patente: à propos de quatre cas et revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVES: Description of four cases of anaphylactic shock with blue dye injection (bleu patenté V Guerbet 2.5%) during sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with breast carcinoma and combined approach with radioactive tracer and blue patent injection. RESULTS: Four cases were observed, which means an incidence of 0.57%. We report one case of grade II anaphylactic reaction and three cases of grade III requiring active reanimation and adrenaline perfusion. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism during the postoperative period, but no death was observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We find an incidence of 1.06% of allergy but only 0.25% of anaphylactic shock (grade III). These rare but serious cases must weigh up the benefits and risks of using blue dye. We suggest using blue dye injection only in case of radioisotope detection failure. Of course, this approach must be evaluated.

Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and mobilization in field-grown winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from stem extension to harvest. II. An 15N-labelling-based simulation model of N partitioning between vegetative and reproductive tissues.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) has often been used as a catch crop to deal with the issue of N leaching, but for this to be effective, prediction of the crop's N uptake capability and N partitioning is required. The aim of this work was to build a compartmental model of N dynamics in oilseed rape, based on the kinetic description of N uptake, partitioning and mobilization in each organ. MODEL: In this study, logistic and exponential equations were fitted to the N relations of each compartment, especially the leaf at each node. Data previously obtained from an 15N-labelling field experiment was used to quantify the partitioning of total N content, the allocation of N taken up and subsequent changes in the sink/source status for endogenous N in each tissue throughout the growth cycle. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This modelling approach provides a unique tool for the quantitative estimation of cycling of endogenous N in relation to changes in N uptake at the whole-plant level. Furthermore, as oilseed rape is known to release large amounts of N to the soil during spring through leaf loss, this model was used to identify potential methods for improving the N harvest index of the crop. Simulations showed that N content or yield could be improved by 15% by optimizing N transfer from vegetative to reproductive tissues and by reducing the residual %N (DW) in abscised leaves.

Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and mobilization in field-grown winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from stem extension to harvest: I. Global N flows between vegetative and reproductive tissues in relation to leaf fall and their residual N.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite its high capacity to take up nitrate from the soil, winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is characterized by a very low N recovery in the reproductive tissues under field conditions. A significant part of the N taken up is lost to the soil in dead leaves during the growth cycle. An accurate description of N dynamics at the whole plant level in each compartment under field conditions should lead to a better understanding of N allocation in B. napus and improvements in the nitrogen harvest index. METHODS: An experiment was conducted in field conditions using sequential weekly 15N labelling to follow N uptake, partitioning and mobilization. Nitrogen labelling (2.5 kg N ha(-1); 10 % excess) was analysed weekly (from stem extension to harvest) to distinguish between uptake of new N (labelled) and mobilized N (unlabelled) in the different plant components. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: N requirements for seed filling were satisfied mainly by N mobilized from vegetative parts (about 73 % of the total N in pods). Determination of the endogenous N flow showed that there was net transfer of N to the pods by leaves (36 %), stem (34 %), inflorescences (22 %) and taproot (8 %). Precise study of N flow from leaves at different nodes revealed the existence of two main groups of leaves in terms of their apparent capacity to mobilize N; 30-60 % and 70-80 % of peak N content occurring during flowering and pod filling, respectively. Moreover, the latter group was found to be the main source of endogenous N from leaves. The mobilization of endogenous N from these leaves was prolonged and concomitant with N accumulation in the pods. A complex pattern of N mobilization from the leaves, to vegetative or reproductive tissues, was revealed. These results will be used to model N partitioning during the growth cycle.

Are there any complications with bioabsorbable fixation devices? A 10 year review in orthognathic surgery.

Bioabsorbable fixation devices have been used in our departments between November 1991 and November 2001 in orthognathic surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess all complications experienced during this time period, when we have operated 163 patients who have undergone 329 orthognathic osteotomies fixated with bioresorbable devices. No postoperative intermaxillary fixation was used. Light guiding elastics were used for 5 to 7 weeks. Patients' acceptance was generally excellent and very few complications occurred during this follow-up of 10 years. The complications were minor and did not affect the end results of the operations. Minor complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6%). Only one patient (0.6%) had a postoperative infection with elevated infection parameters. The other minor complications consisted mainly of dehiscence of the wound and plate exposure together with granulation tissue in the operation field. The rest of the complications occurred in the beginning of our study, when large screw heads on top of the bone irritated the patient and had to be removed. Insufficient fixation resulted in open bite in three patients (1.8%) in the beginning of the trial use of new devices, which no longer are used. Based on our experience, bioresorbable devices are safe to be used in orthognathic procedures. However, there is a learning curve, as there is with all new methods introduced.