Small Molecule Nitazoxanide Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation and Promotes Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effect of small molecule nitazoxanide (NTZ) on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Cell counting Kit-8 assay was used to examine the effect of NTZ on proliferation of BMSCs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expression of osteogenic and adipogenic marker gene. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity assay and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining were used to investigate the effect of NTZ on osteogenesis. Oil red O (ORO) staining assay was used to assess the impact of NTZ on adipogenesis. RESULTS: NTZ significantly suppressed the osteogenic differentiation but promoted the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Mechanistically, NTZ regulated osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway. The addition of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway activator, lithium chloride, could reverse the effect of NTZ on BMSCs. CONCLUSION: NTZ affected osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs with the involvement of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway. This finding expanded the understanding of NTZ pharmacology and indicated that NTZ might have an adverse effect on bone homeostasis.

Psychological impact and perceptions of orthodontic treatment of adult patients with different motivations.

INTRODUCTION: Motivations, perceptions, and psychosocial states of adult patients with orthodontic disorders in China have not been widely studied. The study assessed the psychosocial states and perceptions of adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatments with different motivations. METHODS: Two hundred forty-three adult patients (mean age, 30.2 ± 7.4 years; women, 79.0%) undergoing orthodontic treatment were recruited from a tertiary stomatology hospital. The patients answered a patient-centered questionnaire regarding motivations and perceptions of orthodontic treatment and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test on the basis of multiple responses. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between motivation factors and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire subscale scores (P <0.05). RESULTS: Patients with various motivations were as follows: occlusal function reason (70.4%), dental esthetic reason (54.7%), facial esthetic reason (24.3%), and following others' suggestions (18.5%). Patients with esthetic or occlusal motivations exhibited significantly greater need and interest for orthodontic treatment (P <0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the scores of social impact, psychological impact, and esthetic concern subscales were significantly associated with both dental and facial esthetic motivations (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The primary motivations of Chinese patients were observed to be improved esthetics and occlusal function. Patients with esthetic or occlusal motivations exhibited significantly greater need and interest in treatment. Patients with facial or dental esthetic motivations experienced greater impacts of psychosocial states. Therefore, the patient motivations and impacts of esthetic-related psychosocial states on them should be considered during treatment.

Application of botulinum toxin at the Yonsei point for the treatment of gummy smile: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, demand for less invasive procedures for treating gummy smile, such as botulinum toxin A injections, has substantially increased. Meanwhile, the optimal injection site for botulinum toxin A injection is still debatable. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection at the Yonsei point for treating gummy smile. METHODS: In this double-blind single-site randomized clinical trial, healthy participants with a gummy smile (anterior gingival exposure of ≥3.0 mm) were enrolled and randomized (1:1 ratio) into two groups. The experimental group was administered with 6 units (U)(a single-site injection of 3 U was given to the right Yonsei point and 3 U to the left Yonsei point), while the control group received the same dose in the bilateral levtor labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) muscle sites. The patients were assessed at baseline and 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after the first injection by a digital vernier caliper. RESULTS: A total of 49 participants were enrolled. Anterior and bilateral posterior gingival exposure were reduced at 4, 12, and 24 weeks (P ≤ 0.05) and returned to baseline at 48 weeks in both groups; there was no difference between the groups at these time points. The increase in satisfaction among patients was significant, and few adverse events were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Yonsei point and the LLSAN muscle site could be used as botulinum toxin A injection sites for treating gummy smiles.

[Clinical features of autoimmune encephalitis secondary to epidemic encephalitis B in 5 children]. / 5ä¾‹æµè¡Œæ€§ä¹™åž‹è„‘ç‚Žå„¿ç«¥ç»§å‘è‡ªèº«å ç–«æ€§è„‘ç‚Žçš„ä¸´åºŠåˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical features of children with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) secondary to epidemic encephalitis B (EEB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of five children with EEB with "bipolar course" who were treated in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to June 2022. RESULTS: Among the five children, there were three boys and two girls, with a median age of onset of 7 years (range 3 years 9 months to 12 years) and a median time of 32 (range 25-37) days from the onset of EEB to the appearance of AE symptoms. The main symptoms in the AE stage included dyskinesia (5/5), low-grade fever (4/5), mental and behavioral disorders (4/5), convulsion (2/5), severe disturbance of consciousness (2/5), and limb weakness (1/5). Compared with the results of cranial MRI in the acute phase of EEB, the lesions were enlarged in 3 children and unchanged in 2 children showed on cranial MRI in the AE stage. In the AE stage, four children were positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody (one was also positive for anti-γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor antibody), and one was negative for all AE antibodies. All five children in the AE stage responded to immunotherapy and were followed up for 3 months, among whom one almost recovered and four still had neurological dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: EEB can induce AE, with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis as the most common disease. The symptoms in the AE stage are similar to those of classical anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Immunotherapy is effective for children with AE secondary to EEB, and the prognosis might be related to neurological dysfunction in the acute phase of EEB.

[Sensitivity Comparison Experiment of Four Testing Methods for Helicobacter pylori].

Objective: To measure with standard microbiology methods the sensitivity of 4 commonly used testing methods for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and to conduct a comparative study of the correlations and differences across the 4 methods. Methods: With the Hp standard strain (SS1) as the reference, colony forming units (CFU) as the units of quantitative analysis for detection performance, and gradient dilution of SS1 suspension as the simulation sample, we measured the sensitivity of 4 Hp testing methods, including bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test, and quantitative fluorescent PCR. CFU values at different concentrations corresponding to the 4 commonly used Hp testing methods were documented and the correlations and differences were analyzed accordingly. Results: The sensitivity of Hp bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test and quantitative fluorescent PCR was 2.0×10 CFU/mL, 2.0×10 5 CFU/mL, 2.0×10 5 CFU/mL, and 2.0×10 2 CFU/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The testing turnover time and sensitivity of different laboratory methods for Hp testing varied significantly. The quantitative fluorescent PCR and bacterial culture both showed relatively high sensitivity, but bacterial culture has complicated operation procedures and is too time-consuming. The rapid urease test and antigen test both were simple and quick to perform, but showed low sensitivity. For clinical and laboratory testing of Hp, appropriate testing method that can identify the corresponding changes of Hp should be selected according to the actual testing purpose.

Adiponectin inhibits lipoplysaccharide-induced inflammation and promotes osteogenesis in hPDLCs.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures that surround and support the teeth; they are characterized by local inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Most treatments focus on only one aspect, inhibiting inflammation, or promoting osteoblasts. We set out to develop a new method that would intervene in the two aspects simultaneously. Adiponectin (APN), secreted by adipocytes, inhibits the inflammatory response and promotes osteogenesis. However, its role in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) is unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether APN could suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and promote osteogenesis in hPDLCs. In the present study, we stimulated hPDLCs with LPS in the presence or absence of APN. Real-time PCR and Western blotting results demonstrated that APN partially inhibited the activation of the classical nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) pathway. These results were confirmed by a change of expressions of NF-κB downstream inflammatory genes, such as decreased cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), along with increased interleukin (IL)-10. As for the role of APN in osteogenesis, Alizarin Red S staining showed that APN treatment induced more calcium deposition nodules than controls. We also found that APN enhanced the expression of osteoblast-related genes (osteopontin (OPN), collagen 1, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and bone morphogenetic protein 2) in hPDLCs via the APPL1 (the adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain, and leucine zipper motif 1)/p38 signal transduction pathway. Therefore, APN inhibits LPS-induced inflammation and promotes osteogenesis in hPDLCs and may have potential therapeutic value in treating periodontitis by inhibiting the inflammatory lesions and contributing to bone tissue regeneration.

Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts to Improve Tissue Biotype Control in Peri-implant Disease: A Case Series.

Three patients diagnosed with peri-implant disease after osseointegration exhibited soft tissue oedema and fistulae. Treatment options for controlling the fistulae were investigated. Free subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) and microinvasive surgery were used to improve the soft tissue biotype of the patients with fistulae. After SCTG surgery, the fistulae disappeared. The clinical outcomes were stable and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory after 3-5 years of follow-up. Based on this study, utilising SCTG to improve the tissue biotype may be an effective clinical approach for controlling fistulae occurring during peri-implant disease.

Changes of Microbial Community in Treated Peri-implantitis Sites: An Experimental Study in Beagle Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of the bacterial community in the oral environment of beagle dogs to gain insights on the possible causes of failed therapy in peri-implantitis. METHODS: Beagles were used as models for experimental peri-implantitis. Samples from peri-implant soft tissue (supramargin and submargin), ligature and contaminated surface of peri-implantitis sites were collected and analysed by sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: The residual microbial community from the curettes-treated implant surface contained a variety of microorganisms, including periodontal pathogens, which showed no changes in their composition and structure. CONCLUSION: It is possible that the residual bacterial community remained unchanged and this was the cause of recurrent episodes of inflammation.

Occurrence of Maxillary Central Diastema between Tooth-supported and Implant-supported Prostheses: a 5-year Clinical Follow-up.

A 27-year-old patient with a history of maxillary anterior tooth trauma presented with a maxillary central diastema between tooth- and implant-supported prostheses that had been in use for 5 years. The all-ceramic crowns were placed in 2012 after rigorous occlusal adjustment. Evaluations were carried out at 0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years post restoration. The central diastema between the natural teeth and the implant-supported prosthesis on teeth 11 and 12 was first observed 2 years after implantation. After 5 years, the distance was found to have increased, with anterior occlusion and esthetic changes having taken place. The following possible causes were discussed: occlusal problems, anterior traumatic effects, the possible impact of guided bone regeneration (GBR) on the adjacent natural teeth and natural movement. More predictive information should be given to patients with implant-supported prostheses and natural teeth so that they are fully informed of the impact of any necessary clinical compromise and are aware of the modifications that may occur to their natural dentition.

Accuracy Assessment of Three-dimensional Surface Reconstructions of In vivo Teeth from Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been particularly important in dentistry, which will affect the effectiveness of diagnosis, treatment plan, and outcome in clinical practice. The aims of this study were to assess the linear, volumetric, and geometric accuracy of 3D reconstructions from CBCT and to investigate the influence of voxel size and CBCT system on the reconstructions results. METHODS: Fifty teeth from 18 orthodontic patients were assigned to three groups as NewTom VG 0.15 mm group (NewTom VG; voxel size: 0.15 mm; n = 17), NewTom VG 0.30 mm group (NewTom VG; voxel size: 0.30 mm; n = 16), and VATECH DCTPRO 0.30 mm group (VATECH DCTPRO; voxel size: 0.30 mm; n = 17). The 3D reconstruction models of the teeth were segmented from CBCT data manually using Mimics 18.0 (Materialise Dental, Leuven, Belgium), and the extracted teeth were scanned by 3Shape optical scanner (3Shape A/S, Denmark). Linear and volumetric deviations were separately assessed by comparing the length and volume of the 3D reconstruction model with physical measurement by paired t- test. Geometric deviations were assessed by the root mean square value of the imposed 3D reconstruction and optical models by one-sample t-test. To assess the influence of voxel size and CBCT system on 3D reconstruction, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used (µ = 0.05). RESULTS: The linear, volumetric, and geometric deviations were -0.03 ± 0.48 mm, -5.4 ± 2.8%, and 0.117 ± 0.018 mm for NewTom VG 0.15 mm group; -0.45 ± 0.42 mm, -4.5 ± 3.4%, and 0.116 ± 0.014 mm for NewTom VG 0.30 mm group; and -0.93 ± 0.40 mm, -4.8 ± 5.1%, and 0.194 ± 0.117 mm for VATECH DCTPRO 0.30 mm group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between groups in terms of linear measurement (P < 0.001), but no significant difference in terms of volumetric measurement (P = 0.774). No statistically significant difference were found on geometric measurement between NewTom VG 0.15 mm and NewTom VG 0.30 mm groups (P = 0.999) while a significant difference was found between VATECH DCTPRO 0.30 mm and NewTom VG 0.30 mm groups (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D reconstruction from CBCT data can achieve a high linear, volumetric, and geometric accuracy. Increasing voxel resolution from 0.30 to 0.15 mm does not result in increased accuracy of 3D tooth reconstruction while different systems can affect the accuracy.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Two Calcium Phosphate/Collagen Composite Materials and Their Osteogenic Effects on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are ideal seed cells for use in bone tissue engineering and they have many advantages over other stem cells. In this study, two kinds of calcium phosphate/collagen composite scaffolds were prepared and their effects on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs were investigated. The hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate (HA/ß-TCP) composite scaffolds (HTPSs), which have an additional ß-tricalcium phosphate, resulted in better proliferation of ADSCs and showed osteogenesis-promoting effects. Therefore, such composite scaffolds, in combination with ADSCs or on their own, would be promising for use in bone regeneration and potential clinical therapy for bone defects.

The effect of local delivery of adiponectin from biodegradable microsphere-scaffold composites on new bone formation in adiponectin knockout mice.

Adiponectin (APN) is the most abundant adipocyte-secreted adipokine; it regulates energy homeostasis and exerts well-characterized insulin-sensitizing properties. Previous studies have verified that globular adiponectin (gAPN) is also involved in bone metabolism, although observations have been controversial. The purpose of the current study is to use an APN-knockout (APN-KO) mouse model to evaluate the local delivery of gAPN to new bone formation. Using chitosan microspheres (CMs), we found that following an initial burst at 1 week, the release behavior of gAPN from the scaffold was sustained in a linear manner for the first 4 weeks, followed by a slower, more stable release from week 5 onwards. Interestingly, PLGA/ß-TCP/CM-loaded gAPN scaffolds implanted in APN-KO mice increased bone formation and mineralization, and enhanced osteogenic marker expression 28 days post-implantation. gAPN also promoted preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cellular proliferation in vitro. In MC3T3-E1 cells, adaptor protein-containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine domain, leucine zipper motif (APPL1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) expression was upregulated in a time-dependent manner upon gAPN treatment, while APPL1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) pre-treatment reversed this enhanced expression. In conclusion, modified bone graft substitutes loaded with gAPN increase bone formation and mineralization in part by promoting osteoblast proliferation via the APPL1/PI3K pathway.

Cross-talk between α7 nAChR-mediated cholinergic pathway and acylation stimulating protein signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: role of NFκB and STAT3.

Inflammation is a key feature in adipose tissue, especially in association with obesity comorbidies. The novel adipokine acylation stimulating protein (ASP) is one factor implicated in the inflammatory response. The disruption of the α7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), an important component of the endogenous non-neural cholinergic defense system, may exacerbate sustained inflammatory phenotype. We examined cholinergic regulation of ASP-initiated inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results show that preincubation of 3T3-L1 cells with α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 significantly reduces ASP-mediated chemokine MCP-1 secretion, which is regulated though nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with GTS-21 significantly reduced NFκB activation by DNA binding and STAT3 activation by disturbing post-translational modification.

Adiponectin enhances osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells by activating the APPL1-AMPK signaling pathway.

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are multipotent progenitor cells with multi-lineage differentiation potential including osteogenesis and adipogenesis. While significant progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional control of hASC fate, little is known about how hASC differentiation is regulated by the autocrine loop. The most abundant adipocytokine secreted by adipocytes, adiponectin (APN) plays a pivotal role in glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests a positive association between APN and bone formation yet little is known regarding the direct effects of APN on hASC osteogenesis. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the varied osteogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of APN in the osteogenic commitment of hASCs. We found that APN enhanced the expression of osteoblast-related genes in hASCs, such as osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2, also known as CBFa1), in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This was further confirmed by the higher expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and increased formation of mineralization nodules, along with the absence of inhibition of cell proliferation. Importantly, APN at 1 µg/ml was the optimal concentration, resulting in maximum deposition of calcium nodules, and was significant superior to bone morphogenetic protein 2. Mechanistically, we found for the first time that APN increased nuclear translocation of the leucine zipper motif (APPL)-1 as well as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, which were reversed by pretreatment with APPL1 siRNA. Our results indicate that APN promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs by activating APPL1-AMPK signaling, suggesting that manipulation of APN is a novel therapeutic target for controlling hASC fate.

Efficacy and safety of sorafenib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Many clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate sorafenib for the treatment of advanced NSCLC, but the results for efficacy have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with advanced NSCLC in more detail by meta-analysis. METHODS: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed after searching PubMed, EMBASE, ASCO Abstracts, ESMO Abstracts, and the proceedings of major conferences for relevant clinical trials. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the trials. Outcomes analysis were disease control rate (DCR), progression- free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and major toxicity. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to sorafenib monotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy or EGFR-TKI to investigate the preferred therapy strategy. RESULTS: Results reported from 6 RCTs involving 2,748 patients were included in the analysis. Compared to sorafenib-free group, SBT was not associated with higher DCR (RR 1.31 (0.96-1.79), p=0.09), PFS (HR 0.82 (0.66-1.02), p=0.07) and OS (HR 1.01 (0.92-1.12), p=0.77). In terms of subgroup results, sorafenib monotherapy was associated with significant superior DCR and longer PFS, but failed to show advantage with regard to OS. Grade 3 or greater sorafenib-related adverse events included fatigue, hypertension, diarrhea, oral mucositis, rash and HFSR. CONCLUSIONS: SBT was revealed to yield no improvement in DCR, PFS and OS. However, sorafenib as monotherapy showed some activity in NSCLC. Further evaluation may be considered in subsets of patients who may benefit from this treatment. Sorafenib combined inhibition therapy should be limited unless the choice of platinum-doublet regimen, administration sequence or identification of predictive biomarkers are considered to receive better anti-tumor activity and prevention of resistance mechanisms.

Accuracy of computer-guided implant surgery by a CAD/CAM and laser scanning technique.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the method of manufacturing an implant surgery template with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique and evaluate its precision in clinical cases. METHODS: Patients referred to the 2nd Dental Center of Peking University who were partially edentulous, were enrolled and scanned with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Diagnostic casts were laser scanned to record the configuration of the patients' dentition and mucosae. CBCT and laser scanning data were subsequently loaded into Simplant software. Implant positions were planned in the software with a computer-aided design technique, and surgical templates were fabricated with a rapid prototyping technique. These templates were used to guide implant placement surgery. RESULTS: The mean value of linear deviation was 1.00 mm (range 0 to 2.16 mm) for implant shoulder and 1.26 mm (range 0.51 to 2.86 mm) for the implant apex. The mean angular deviation was 4.74 degress (0.37 to 10.28 degrees). Deviations were higher in the posterior region than anterior. The tooth-supported template provided higher precision than did the tooth/ mucosa-supported template, but no statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: Computer-guided implant surgery with the CAD/CAM technique provides dentists with a good platform for preoperative planning, precise implant insertion, and ideal rehabilitation. The protocol of this three-dimensional laser scanning technique can provide precision comparable to that of double-scanning.

Effect of glycine powder air-polishing as an adjunct in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis: a pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Glycine powder air-polishing (GPAP) has the potential to effectively erase biofilms and may improve the treatment efficacy of peri-implant mucositis. This pilot clinical trial evaluated the effect of GPAP as an adjunct in treating peri-implant mucositis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four subjects having at least one implant with peri-implant mucositis were randomly assigned to test (12 subjects with 17 implants) and control (12 subjects with 16 implants) groups. Following baseline assessment, all subjects received oral hygiene instruction and non-surgical debridement. In the test group, the sites with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm were additionally treated by GPAP for 5 sec. Clinical parameters were measured at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month recall visits. RESULTS: At the 3-month visit, the mean reductions in PD at site level were 0.93 ± 0.93 mm and 0.91 ± 0.98 mm in the test and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05), and no significant difference existed between two groups. Mean bleeding score was also significantly reduced in both groups after the intervention. No complications or discomfort were reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot clinical trial suggests that non-surgical mechanical debridement may effectively control peri-implant mucositis, and adjunctive GPAP treatment seems to have a limited beneficial effect as compared with mechanical debridement alone. However, further clinical trials with a large sample size are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.

Treatment of a patient with multiple cutaneous piloleiomyoma-related pain with a local injection of triamcinolone acetonide.

BACKGROUND: Multiple cutaneous piloleiomyomas are rare, frequently painful and difficult-to-treat benign tumours originating in the arrectores pilorum muscles of the hair follicles. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a local injection of triamcinolone acetonide in relieving cutaneous piloleiomyoma-related pain. METHODS: A patient with multiple painful piloleiomyomas was treated with weekly local injections of triamcinolone acetonide into the nodules and papules for 3 weeks. RESULTS: The patient's nodules and papules became smaller, and the pain disappeared. At 1-year follow-up, there were no side effects, pain recurrence or significant enlargement of any of the injected lesions. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that local injection of triamcinolone acetonide may be a promising new treatment option for multiple painful cutaneous piloleiomyomas.

[Temperature compensation for portable Vis/NIR spectrometer measurement of apple fruit soluble solids contents].

Visible (Vis)/near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used successfully to measure soluble solids content (SSC) in fruit. However, for practical implementation, the NIR technique needs to be able to compensate for fruit temperature fluctuations, as it was observed that the sample temperature affects the NIR spectrum. A portable Vis/NIR spectrometer was used to collect diffused transmittance spectra of apples at different temperatures (0-30 degrees C). The spectral data of apple at 20 degrees C was used to develop a norm partial least squares (PLS) model. Slope/bias technique was found to well suits to control the accuracy of the calibration model for SSC concerning temperature fluctuations. The correctional PLS models were used to predict the SSC of apple at 0, 10 and 30 degrees C, respectively. The correctional method was found to perform well with Q values of 0.810, 0.822 and 0.802, respectively. When no precautions are taken, the Q value on the SSC may be as small as 0.525-0.680. The results obtained highlight the potential of portable Vis/NIR instruments for assessing internal quality of fruits on site under varying weather conditions.

[Clinical effects of ridge augmentation with the half-columnar shaped mandibular bone block for the placement of dental implants].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment effects of the half-columnar shaped mandibular block bone onlay grafting technique for augmentation of the resorbed maxillary anterior alveolar ridge after single tooth missing. METHODS: A total of 15 sites of 14 patients received ridge augmentation surgeries. The recipient sites were prepared with trephines, the half-columnar shaped bone blocks were harvested from the ramus and external oblique ridges with trephines according to diameters of the recipient sites. The bone blocks were placed as lateral onlay grafts on recipient beds and secured by means of titanium screws. Particulate bone was added and absorbable membranes were used to stabilize and protect the grafts. After a mean interval of 4.5 months of healing the flaps were re-opened, the screws were removed and non-submerged implants were placed. The width and height of the alveolar ridges were recorded. After 3 months, implant-supported crowns were provided to the patients. One year later, the peri-impant condition and the marginal bone resorption on the proximal sites were observed. RESULTS: Mean lateral augmentation obtained at the time of bone grafting was (3.8 + or - 0.8) mm, 5 out of 15 sites exhibited a mean of 3 mm of vertical augmentation. The mean healing time was 4.5 months, the mean percentage of horizontal and vertical bone resorption in the mean time were 8% and 7% respectively. No major complications were recorded at donor sites. No implant was lost during the study period. Clinical parameters and probing depth (< or = 4 mm) demonstrated the presence of a healthy peri-implant mucosa after 1 year of prosthetic reconstruction. The clinical and radiographic bone observations showed no more than 1.2 mm of resorption after bone graft and implant placement. CONCLUSION: The half-columnar shaped mandibular bone graft (from the ramus and external oblique ridge) is a promising technique for bone augmentation in localized alveolar ridge defects after single tooth missing. This procedure offers easy access, good bone quantity for localized repair, low morbidity, decreased complaints of postoperative sensory disturbances or discomfort, minimal graft resorption, and a shorter healing time as compared with other methods for bone repair.