The relationship between cleft palate repair technique and audiological outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Otitis media with effusion is common in children with cleft palates. This study aimed to investigate the link between palatal closure techniques and audiological outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective-prospective cohort study, we examined the relationship between palate repair techniques and hearing outcomes in children with cleft palates. From 2017 to 2022, 190 ears of 95 cleft patients were studied at the Cleft Lip and Palate Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Variables assessed included the surgical technique, cleft severity, auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold, and tympanometry configuration. Results: The mean ABR improved from a prepalatoplasty value of 39.51(11.62) decibels (dB) to a postpalatoplasty mean of 26.61(11.60) dB (Cohen's d: 1.12 [95% CI; 0.90-1.34]). Initially, 87.9% of the studied ears exhibited abnormal tympanometry, but this significantly decreased to 47% postsurgery (risk ratio: 4.43 [95% CI; 1.20-16.43]). When compared with Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty, the Nadjmi modified Furlow palatoplasty was associated with a notably lower mean ABR (ß: -6.58 [95% CI: -10.43 to -2.73], p-value = .001) and a reduced frequency of abnormal tympanometry (odds ratio [OR]: -1.10; 95% CI: -1.85 to -0.36, p-value = .004). Factors like prepalatoplasty ABR, cleft palate severity, gender, and syndromic did not confound these findings. Conclusions: Although the Nadjmi modified Furlow palatoplasty showed better results, our findings indicate a significant improvement in ABR and tympanometry outcomes for both techniques. Future randomized controlled trials are suggested to confirm the influence of palatal closure techniques on audiological outcomes. Level of Evidence: 3b.

Prevalence, trend, and associated risk factors for cleft lip with/without cleft palate: a national study on live births from 2016 to 2021.

BACKGROUNDS: Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly, including non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate and cleft palate only. Failure in the fusion of median and lateral nasal processes, the maxillary prominence, and soft tissues around the oral cavity can cause CL/P. Previously, the prevalence has been estimated to be 1 among every 1000 births in 2014 among American neonates and no other reports have been available since. Thus, this study aimed to calculate the prevalence and trend of isolated CL/P among American live births from 2016 to 2021 with its associated risk factors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this cross-sectional population-based retrospective study, we used live birth data provided by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We calculated the prevalence per 10,000 live births of isolated (non-syndromic) CL/P from 2016 to 2021. To examine risk factors for developing isolated CL/P, we used logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: The total prevalence per 10,000 births from 2016 to 2021 was 4.88 (4.79-4.97), for both sexes, and 5.96 (5.82-6.10) for males, and 3.75 (3.64-3.87) for females. The prevalence did not show any consistent linear decreasing or increasing pattern. We found significant association between increased odds of developing isolated CL/P among cases with 20 to 24 year-old mothers (OR = 1.07, 1.01-1.13, p = 0.013), mothers who smoked 11 to 20 cigarettes per day (OR = 1.46, 1.33-1.60, p <  0.001), mothers with extreme obesity (OR = 1.32, 1.21-1.43, p <  0.001), mothers with grade II obesity (OR = 1.32, 1.23-1.42, p <  0.001), mothers with pre-pregnancy hypertension (OR = 1.17, 1.04-1.31, p = 0.009), mothers with pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.96, 1.71-2.25, p <  0.001), and mothers who used assisted reproductive technology (OR = 1.40, 1.18-1.66, p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a minuscule increase, albeit insignificant, in the trend of CL/P prevalence from 2016 to 2021. Developing CL/P had greater odds among mothers with pre-pregnancy diabetes, smoking, obesity, and pre-pregnancy hypertension mothers along with mothers who used assisted reproductive technology. Isolated CL/P had the highest prevalence in non-Hispanic Whites, American Indian or Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders.

Gender inequality and burden of orofacial clefts in the Eastern Mediterranean region: findings from global burden of disease study 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND: Gender inequality may be associated with the burden of orofacial clefts (OFCs), particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To investigate the OFCs' burden and its association with gender inequality in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). METHODS: Country-specific data on the OFCs' prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 were gathered from the Global Burden of Disease database by age and gender. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPCs) was used to investigate the OFCs' trends. The association of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) with prevalence and DALY rates was determined using multiple linear regression. Human Development Index (HDI), Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were also considered as potential confounders. RESULTS: In 2019, the overall regional OFCs' prevalence and DALYs (per 100,000 person-years) were 93.84 and 9.68, respectively. During the 1990-2019 period, there was a decrease in prevalence (EAPC = -0.05%), demonstrating a consistent trend across genders. Moreover, within the same timeframe, DALYs also declined (EAPC = -2.10%), with a more pronounced reduction observed among females. Gender differences were observed in age-specific prevalence rates (p-value = 0.015). GII was associated with DALYs (ßmale= -0.42, p-value = 0.1; ßfemale = 0.48, p-value = 0.036) and prevalence (ßmale= -1.86, p-value < 0.001, ßfemale= -2.07, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a declining prevalence, the burden of OFCs remained notably significant in the EMR. Gender inequality is associated with the burden of OFCs in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Countries in the region should establish comprehensive public policies to mitigate gender inequalities in healthcare services available for OFCs.

Navigating the complexities and controversies of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ): a critical update and consensus statement.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a critical update identifying the knowledge gaps and controversies in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) within the Belgian healthcare context and outline opportunities for improvement and research in these areas. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify guidelines from international clinical societies in oncology or oral and maxillofacial surgery on diagnosing, preventing, and treating MRONJ. The recommendations were critically assessed in light of recent developments in the field and confronted with the clinical experience of experts. RESULTS: Despite progress in the diagnostic criteria of MRONJ, the continued need for an 8-week timeout period should be reconsidered. Furthermore, 3D imaging techniques should be introduced to improve diagnosis and staging. The staging system remains ambiguous regarding Stage 0 MRONJ, and ongoing confusion exists regarding the term non-exposed MRONJ. The prevention of MRONJ should be tailored, considering the individual patient's risk of MRONJ, frailty, and life expectancy. More research seems needed into the efficacy and safety of drug holidays, considering the risks of rebound remodeling on fractures. With renewed interest in surgical and adjunct management techniques, adequately designed clinical studies are needed to help translate trial outcomes into universally applicable treatment guidelines taking into account individual patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Important knowledge gaps remain and hamper the development of clinical guidelines. Several controversies were identified where consensus is lacking, and further harmonization between stakeholders is necessary. Finally, the need for randomized controlled comparative clinical trials in MRONJ resonates harder than ever to identify the best treatment for individual patients.

Addition of Bone-Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to 3D-Printed Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogel Containing Freeze-Dried Bone Nanoparticles Accelerates Regeneration of Critical Size Bone Defects.

A 3D-printed biodegradable hydrogel, consisting of alginate, gelatin, and freeze-dried bone allograft nanoparticles (npFDBA), is developed as a scaffold for enhancing cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation when combined with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). This composite hydrogel is intended for the regeneration of critical-sized bone defects using a rat calvaria defect model. The behavior of rBMSCs seeded onto the scaffold is evaluated through scanning electron microscope, MTT assays, and quantitative real-time PCR. In a randomized study, thirty rats are assigned to five treatment groups: 1) rBMSCs-loaded hydrogel, 2) rBMSCs-loaded FDBA microparticles, 3) hydrogel alone, 4) FDBA alone, and 5) an empty defect serving as a negative control. After 8 weeks, bone regeneration is assessed using H&E, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry. The 3D-printed hydrogel displays excellent adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of rBMSCs. The rBMSCs-loaded hydrogel exhibits comparable new bone regeneration to the rBMSCs-loaded FDBA group, outperforming other groups with statistical significance (P-value < 0.05). These findings are corroborated by Masson's trichrome staining and osteocalcin expression. The rBMSCs-loaded 3D-printed hydrogel demonstrates promising potential for significantly enhancing bone regeneration, surpassing the conventional clinical approach (FDBA).

Anthropometric 3D evaluation of the face in patients with sleep related breathing disorders.

PURPOSE: To evaluate craniofacial measurements on 3D-stereophotogrammetry and see if particular measurements are more typical in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and have a correlation with its severity. METHODS: Subjects included were adults undergoing a diagnostic polysomnography. Age, BMI, neck, abdominal and hip circumference (cm) were recorded. 3D-stereophotogrammetry was performed and landmarks were placed on the 3D-image. Different linear, angular and volume measurements were performed to gauge facial and neck anatomy. The relationship between these measurements and the severity of OSA, based on the obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (OAHI, events/h), was assessed by multiple linear regression, and adjusted for BMI and sex. RESULTS: Of 91 subjects included (61 male), mean age was 46 ± 12 years, BMI 30.1 ± 6.5 kg/m2, OAHI 19.3 ± 18.8/h. BMI was higher (p = 0.0145) in females (32.9 ± 7.7) than in males (28.6 ± 5.3). This was also true for hip circumference (118 ± 15 vs 107 ± 10, p = 0.0006), while the neck circumference was higher (p < 0.0001) in males (41 ± 4 vs 37 ± 4). The following parameters could predict the logOAHI (r2-adjusted = 0.51): sex (p < 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.0116), neck-depth/mandibular-length (p = 0.0002), mandibular-width angle (p = 0.0118), neck-depth euclidean distance/surface distance (E/S) (p = 0.0001) and the interaction terms between sex and neck-depth/mandibular-length (p = 0.0034), sex and neck-depth E/S (p = 0.0276) and BMI and neck-depth E/S (p = 0.0118). The interaction between sex and neck-depth/mandibular-length showed a steeper linear course in females. This is also true for the interaction term BMI with neck-depth E/S in patients with a higher BMI. With a same neck-depth ratio, the OAHI is larger in men. CONCLUSION: Measurements involving the width of the face and addressing the soft tissue in the upper neck were found to have a significant relation with OSA severity. We found remarkable differences between non-obese/obese subjects and between males and females.

The influence of tissue redraping after Le Fort I type osteotomy.

Elongation of the upper lip, in particular the philtrum, and nose widening are common postoperative changes after a Le Fort I osteotomy. These changes can be induced by the transection of soft tissue and loosening of the underlying musculature. A methodology for soft tissue redraping was developed to limit these undesirable nasolabial changes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the technique and influence of maxillary translocation on the nasolabial form. Anthropometric measurements, lip, philtrum length, and nose width, were taken two weeks prior to, and one year after, surgery. The mean postoperative changes were minimised to less than 1mm except for lip length in the extrusion groups, which was less than 1.5mm. Statistical analysis showed a stable result for lip length after maxillary advancement and/or intrusion as limited lengthening mainly occurred at the vermilion. Conversely, lip lengthening after extrusion mainly occurred at the philtrum. The mean nose width was maintained after maxillary advancement, decreased after extrusion, and increased after intrusion. The type of maxillary translocation only influenced the nasolabial soft tissue in case of intrusion and extrusion, not after advancement.

Tooth Formation as Experimental Model to Study Chemotherapy on Tissue Development: Effect of a Specific Dose of Temozolomide/Veliparib.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy treatment of cancer in children can influence formation of normal tissues, leading to irreversible changes in their structure and function. Tooth formation is susceptible to several types of chemotherapy that induce irreversible changes in the structure of enamel, dentin and dental root morphology. These changes can make the teeth more prone to fracture or to caries when they have erupted. Recent studies report successful treatment of brain tumors with the alkylating drug temozolomide (TMZ) in combination with veliparib (VLP) in a glioblastoma in vivo mouse model. Whether these drugs also affect tooth formation is unknown. AIM: In this study the effect of TMZ/VLP on incisor formation was investigated in tissue sections of jaws from mice and compared with mice not treated with these drugs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The following aspects were studied using immunohistochemistry of specific protein markers including: (1) proliferation (by protein expression of proliferation marker Ki67) (2) a protein involved in paracellular ion transport (expression of tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-1) and (3) in transcellular passage of ions across the dental epithelium (expression of Na+, K+ 2Cl- cotransporter/NKCC1). RESULTS: Chemotherapy with TMZ/VLP strongly reduced immunostaining for claudin-1 in distal parts of maturation ameloblasts. No gross changes were found in the treated mice, either in cell proliferation in the dental epithelium at the cervical loop or in the immunostaining pattern for NKCC1 in (non-ameloblastic) dental epithelium. The salivary glands in the treated mice contained strongly reduced immunostaining for NKCC1 in the basolateral membranes of acinar cells. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Based on the reduction of claudin-1 immunostaining in ameloblasts, TMZ/VLP may potentially influence forming enamel by changes in the structure of TJs structures in maturation ameloblasts, structures that are crucial for the selective passage of ions through the intercellular space between neighboring ameloblasts. The strongly reduced basolateral NKCC1 staining seen in fully-grown salivary glands of TMZ/VLP-treated mice suggests that TMZ/VLF could also influence ion transport in adult saliva by the salivary gland epithelium. This may cause treated children to be more susceptible to caries.

Impact of surgically assisted rapid mandibular expansion on the temporomandibular joint - A retrospective study.

This study evaluates the impact of tooth-borne Surgically Assisted Rapid Mandibular Expansion (SARME) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and condylar morphology. Medical records of patients who received a SARME between 2014 and 2018 are retrospectively reviewed concerning functional problems. Morphological changes of the condyles are analyzed by means of surface registration of 3D reconstructed CBCT scans preoperatively and one-year postoperatively, and correlated to functional outcome. In 68 patients data are complete. The risk of TMJ dysfunction is slightly increased from 18 to 25% at a mean of 14 months after SARME. This is attributed to an increase in the number of minor problems (75-82%). The presence of complaints before SARME is the only identifiable risk factor for also having complaints after the intervention (p = 0.0019). In one patient with pre-existent TMJ dysfunction complaints deteriorated after SARME. After SARME no cases of extended condylar resorption are described. There is no correlation between morphological condylar changes and the prevalence of TMJ dysfunction (p = 0.7121 for appositional and p = 0.3038 for resorptive changes). However, appositional and resorptive changes at the condylar head appear to correlate with growth potential, based on age, gender and skeletal deformity (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0154 respectively). Within the limitations of the study it seems that SARME does not have a negative impact on TMJ function or condylar integrity and, therefore, the choice for or against this approach can be made without considering consequences for TMJ a major issue for the decision.

Do Gender and Age Influence Nasal Soft Tissue Widening After Bone-Borne Transpalatal Distraction?

PURPOSE: Widening of the nasal soft tissue after transpalatal distraction (TPD) is a well-known consequence of this treatment method used to correct transverse maxillary deficiency. However, because literature is scarce about the influence of gender and age, the purpose of this study is to estimate changes in the nasal soft tissue after TPD and to measure the association of gender and age with these observed changes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with transverse maxillary deficiency underwent combined orthodontic-surgical treatment. Maxillary and nasal anatomical landmarks were compared using superimposed cone beam computed tomography images preoperatively and approximately 1 year postoperatively. Measurements included nasal soft tissue, nasal skeletal, and maxillary parameters. Significant differences in nasal soft tissue changes were correlated with patient gender, age, maxillary, and nasal skeletal changes using regression models. RESULTS: Ninety one patients were included of which 33 were men (36%) and 58 women (64%). Independent of the maxillary widening, the mean nasal soft tissue widening was limited to 2 mm. Nasal soft tissue expansion was 60% to 80% of the nasal skeletal width and 25% to 31% of the skeletal maxillary width. The alar nasal base increased approximately 57% more than the alar nasal width. CONCLUSIONS: Significant gender-related differences in nasal soft tissue widening were observed. Age-related differences were identified only as a trend. Small age-related and gender-related differences may not be relevant clinically since there are no established threshold values to assess a layperson's perception of nasal width variations. Technical and/or aesthetic concerns regarding TPD surgery can be addressed without patient's gender and/or age consideration.

A Novel Technique for Nasal Alar Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of full-thickness alar defects is delicate. Small asymmetries are visible because of the central position of the nose. Different alar reconstruction techniques such as the nasolabial, bilobed, and composite grafts provide an excellent option to reconstruct alar skin and texture. However, these donor tissues will never perfectly match alar tissue in terms of color and contour. This report presents a case of a 56-year-old woman with alar asymmetry due to soft tissue loss of the right alar rim, para-nasal, and nasolabial groove as consequence of a severe trauma in the past. Scarring tissue, retractions, and suboptimal tissue quality on the right side of the face complicated a standard procedure. In this case, a novel reconstruction technique was planned for alar reconstruction. In a two-staged procedure, a well-perfused alar base flap from the contralateral side was raised to recreate the basal portion of the right lateral alar rim. Concomitantly a lip lifting procedure was performed to correct the inadequate incisal show. As result, perfectly matching skin color, texture, and correction toward alar and facial symmetry were realized. Satisfactory aesthetic outcome for the patient was achieved. The final result was evaluated 12 months postoperatively by the use of stereophotogrammetry technology.

Prefabrication technique by preserving a muscular pedicle from masseter muscle as an in vivo bioreactor for reconstruction of mandibular critical-sized bone defects in canine models.

In vivo bioreactors serve as regenerative niches that improve vascularization and regeneration of bone grafts. This study has evaluated the masseter muscle as a natural bioreactor for ßTCP or PCL/ßTCP scaffolds, in terms of bone regeneration. The effect of pedicle preservation, along with sole, or MSC- or rhBMP2-combined application of scaffolds, has also been studied. Twenty-four mongrel dogs were randomly placed in six groups, including ßTCP, ßTCP/rhBMP2, ßTCP/MSCs, PCL/ßTCP, PCL/ßTCP/rhBMP2, and PCL/ßTCP/MSCs. During the first surgery, the scaffolds were implanted into the masseter muscle for being prefabricated. After 2 months, each group was divided into two subgroups prior to mandibular bone defect reconstruction; one with a preserved vascularized pedicle and one without. After 12 weeks, animals were euthanized, and new bone formation was evaluated using histological analysis. Histological analysis showed that all ß-TCP scaffold groups had resulted in significantly greater rates of new bone formation, either with a pedicle surgical approach or non-pedicle surgical approach, comparing to their parallel groups of ßTCP/PCL scaffolds (p ≤ .05). Pedicled ß-TCP scaffold groups that were treated with either rhBMP2 (48.443% ± 0.250%) or MSCs (46.577% ± 0.601%) demonstrated the highest rates of new bone formation (p ≤ .05). Therefore, masseter muscle can be used as a local in vivo bioreactor with potential clinical advantages in reconstruction of human mandibular defects. In addition, scaffold composition, pedicle preservation, and treatment with MSCs or rhBMP2, influence new bone formation and scaffold degradation rates in the prefabrication technique.

Tranexamic acid and bleeding in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants undergoing dental extraction: The EXTRACT-NOAC randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral bleeding after dental extraction in patients on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is a frequent problem. We investigated whether 10% tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases post-extraction bleeding in patients treated with NOACs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The EXTRACT-NOAC study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 10% TXA or placebo mouthwash and were instructed to use the mouthwash once prior to dental extraction, and thereafter for 3 times a day for 3 days. The primary outcome was the number of patients with any post-extraction oral bleeding up to day 7. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural, early, and delayed bleeding, and the safety outcomes included all thrombotic events. The first patient was randomized on February 9, 2018 and the last patient on March 12, 2020. Of 222 randomized patients, 218 patients were included in the full analysis set, of which 106 patients were assigned to TXA (74.8 (±8.8) years; 81 men) and 112 to placebo (72.7 (±10.7) years; 64 men). Post-extraction bleeding occurred in 28 (26.4%) patients in the TXA group and in 32 (28.6%) patients in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.42; P = 0.72). There were 46 bleeds in the TXA group and 85 bleeds in the placebo group (rate ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.05; P = 0.07). TXA did not reduce the rate of periprocedural bleeding (bleeding score 4 ± 1.78 versus 4 ± 1.82, P = 0.80) and early bleeding (rate ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.37). Delayed bleeding (rate ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.89) and bleeding after multiple extractions (rate ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78) were lower in the TXA group. One patient in the placebo group had a transient ischemic attack while interrupting the NOAC therapy in preparation for the dental extraction. Two of the study limitations were the premature interruption of the trial following a futility analysis and the assessment of the patients' compliance that was based on self-reported information during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients on NOACs undergoing dental extraction, TXA does not seem to reduce the rate of periprocedural or early postoperative oral bleeding compared to placebo. TXA appears to reduce delayed bleeds and postoperative oral bleeding if multiple teeth are extracted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03413891 EudraCT; EudraCT number:2017-001426-17; EudraCT Public website: eudract.ema.europa.eu.

Cleft and COVID-19 Pandemic: Controversial Aspects of Social Distancing.

ABSTRACT: In the meantime, as COVID-19 has gone pandemic, social distancing has become inevitable; therefore, most in-person visits have been canceled to minimize the spread of the disease. This will greatly impact cleft palate patients as it will limit their chance to receive timely care and have persistent follow-up, and that could in turn delay its management so significantly that it could cause much more considerable complications. To mitigate the issue, it seems necessary to start integrating modern-day technologies into the everyday practice of physicians and to benefit from the opportunities it provides. Much of medical decision making is cognitive, and telemedicine can provide easy access to specialists who are not immediately available. With wide internet access, this task is more than feasible. Telemedicine and other modern facilities are very promising platforms that could fill the gap that has been made by social distancing. We tried to address some of these issues as well as give recommendations for possible solutions to each of them.

Virtual planning in Le Fort III distraction osteogenesis: A case series.

The objective of this study is to determine the value of using 3D planning tools and 3D printed cutting guides in Le Fort III osteotomies with external frame distraction osteogenesis. The process of planning and transfer of the virtual planning to the operating room is illustrated with 5 case. The virtual planning is transferred to the operating room using a 3D-printed supra-orbital reference bar with puzzle connections for the planned osteotomy guides. Different systems are presented to transfer the vector of distraction and the position of the external midface distractor. Three-dimensional planning tools and cutting guides help to design the Le Fort III osteotomy and the distraction vector, to anticipate possible difficulties, and to avoid adverse events.

Fabrication of Decellularized Engineered Extracellular Matrix through Bioreactor-Based Environment for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-contained grafts can be achieved by decellularization of native bones or synthetic scaffolds. Limitations associated with harvesting the native bone has raised interest in preparing in vitro ECM bioscaffold for bone tissue engineering. Here, we intend to develop an ECM-contained construct via decellularizing an engineered gelatin-coated ß-tricalcium phosphate (gTCP) scaffold. In order to find an optimal protocol for decellularization of cell-loaded gTCP scaffolds, they were seeded with buccal fat pad-derived stem cells. Then, four decellularization protocols including sodium dodecyl sulfate, trypsin, Triton X-100, and combined solution methods were compared for the amounts of residual cells and remnant collagen and alteration of scaffold structure. Then, the efficacy of the selected protocol in removing cells from gTCP scaffolds incubated in a rotating and perfusion bioreactor for 24 days was evaluated and compared with static condition using histological analysis. Finally, decellularized scaffolds, reloaded with cells, and their cytotoxicity and osteoinductive capability were evaluated. Complete removal of cells from gTCP scaffolds was achieved from all protocols. However, treatment with Triton X-100 showed significantly higher amount of remnant ECM. Bioreactor-incubated scaffolds possessed greater magnitude of ECM proteins including collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Reseeding the decellularized scaffolds also represented higher osteoinductivity of bioreactor-based scaffolds. Application of Triton X-100 as decellularization protocol and usage of bioreactors are suggested as a suitable technique for designing ECM-contained grafts for bone tissue engineering.

The Effect of Autologous Alveolar Bone Grafting on Nasolabial Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

The objective of this study was to examine whether an autologous alveolar bone graft has an effect on the nasolabial asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. Fifteen children (mean age 7.5 ±â€Š2.4 years) with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) were included. Non-ionizing three-dimensional images were acquired prior to and three months after the alveolar bone grafting procedure. A 2D and a landmark-independent 3D asymmetry assessment were used to detect changes of asymmetry in the nasolabial area. For the 2D assessment, a cleft and non-cleft side ratio for 4 linear nasal and 2 linear labial distances was expressed as a Coefficient of Asymmetry (CA). The 3D asymmetry assessment comprised a robust superimposition of the face with its mirror image, expressed as a root-mean-square-error (RSME) in mm. A significant decrease in the CA for the labial distance from the facial midline to the labial commissure was observed (P = 0.036). Also, the CA for the labial distance from the facial midline to the highest point of Cupid's bow increased significantly (P = 0.028). Non-significant changes were observed for the CA for the 2 nasal distances and the 2 other labial distances. No significant changes in 3D nasal asymmetry were detected (P = 0.820). Alveolar bone grafting completes the alveolar ridge but has only little to no clinical effect on the asymmetry of the secondary cleft lip nasal deformity.

Bioreactor cultivation condition for engineered bone tissue: Effect of various bioreactor designs on extra cellular matrix synthesis.

Dynamic-based systems are bio-designed in order to mimic the micro-environments of the bone tissue. There is limited direct comparison between perfusion and perfusion-rotation forces in designing a bioreactor. Hence, in current study, we aimed to compare given bioreactors for bone regeneration. Two types of bioreactors including rotating & perfusion and perfusion bioreactors were designed. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from buccal fat pad were loaded on a gelatin/ß-Tricalcium phosphate scaffold. Cell-scaffold constructs were subjected to different treatment condition and place in either of the bioreactors. Effect of different dynamic conditions on cellular behavior including cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed. Osteogenic assessment of scaffolds after 24 days revealed that rotating & perfusion bioreactor led to significantly higher expression of OCN and RUNX2 genes and also greater amount of ALP and collagen I protein production compared to static groups and perfusion bioreactor. Observation of cellular sheets which filled the scaffold porosities in SEM images, approved the better cell responses to rotating & perfusion forces of the bioreactor. The outcomes demonstrated that rotating & perfusion bioreactor action on bone regeneration is much preferable than perfusion bioreactor. Therefore, it seems that exertion of multi-stimuli is more effective for bone engineering.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Upper Airway Collapse Patterns and Maxillomandibular Advancement.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate upper airway (UA) collapse patterns during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery outcome, paying particular attention to the DISE phenotype complete concentric collapse at the level of the palate (CCCp). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Nineteen patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prospectively underwent mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment followed by MMA surgery. UA collapse patterns were evaluated before and after MMA surgery. Baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was compared with AHI during MAD treatment and after MMA surgery. UA collapse patterns and the presence of baseline CCCp were assessed. AHI differences between patients with and without CCCp after MMA surgery were compared. RESULTS: In 14 patients, a full dataset was obtained: 8/6 (male/female), mean age = 51 ± 7 years, body mass index (BMI) = 25.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2 , and baseline AHI = 40.2 ± 25.6 per hour of sleep. MMA surgery reduced AHI to 9.9 ± 7.2 per hour of sleep (P = .0001). Eight patients benefited from additional AHI reduction compared to MAD treatment (P = .0113). Six out of 14 (43%) patients showed baseline CCCp. Baseline patient characteristics (age, BMI, and AHI) did not significantly differ between patients with and without CCCp. AHI was equally reduced after MMA, whether (P = .0145) or not (P = .0075) CCCp was present at baseline. All patients showed resolution of CCCp (P = .0159) during postoperative DISE. CONCLUSIONS: CCCp seems not to be a negative predictor for MMA surgery outcome measured by AHI reduction. Furthermore, MMA is likely to eliminate CCCp. Therefore, MMA might be a solution for OSA patients showing CCCp and broadens the perspective for personalized medicine and combination therapy. However, a large sample is required for definitive results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E268-E274, 2020.

Psychological Well-being and Medical Guidance of Parents of Children With Cleft in Belgium During Feeding Problems of the Child: A Mixed Method Study.

PURPOSE: Cleft is one of the most common anomalies affecting 1 in every 500-750 newborns. Depending on the type of cleft and its size, these children may experience feeding problems immediately after birth. Cleft has consequences for the child, as well as for the parents. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding on the factors influencing the psychological well-being of the parents. Also, the experiences of parents of children with feeding problems and the received medical guidance were studied. DESIGN AND METHODS: A mixed method convergent parallel design was used. In the quantitative study, a cross-sectional design was applied, in which parents completed 3 validated questionnaires about their psychological well-being. For the qualitative research a phenomenological design was used to conduct semi-structured interviews. Ninety parents agreed to join the quantitative study, of which 15 participated in the qualitative study as well. RESULTS: The timing of the diagnosis revealed a significant difference in the depression and stress scores, while the number of children was significant for depression, anxiety, and stress. Other parental- and child-related factors did not cause a significant difference in psychological well-being. Different opinions about medical guidance and feeding problems came up during the interviews. CONCLUSION: With these results, a recommendation toward future medical guidance can be given. The number of children and the timing of diagnosis were found to be significant variables determining the psychological well-being of the parents. All parents agreed on the need for a point of contact and an umbrella framework for a clearer guidance. Moreover, caregivers should have more knowledge about cleft and associated feeding problems.