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Generating mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be a practical method for obtaining the sufficient cells for autologous tissue engineering. Single-cell culturing in specific medium and non-feeder cells is an alternative and promising strategy to overcome problems of embryo culture; however, little is known about how different culture media affect the proliferation and differentiation of MSLCs. We first derived MSLCs from iPSCs with non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors (hereafter 409B2 cells) using three different cell culture media, including single-cell culture medium in feeder-free condition: mTeSR1, DEF-CS500, or StemFit AK02N. The morphology of all MSLCs was completely altered to a fibroblastic morphology after four passages. Surface antigens CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, but not CD34 and CD45, were expressed in all passages. RUNX2 was expressed in MSLCs cultured in all three feeder-free media, while SOX9 and PPARγ were expressed in MSLCs cultured in only DEF-CS500. MSLCs derived from DEF-CS500, which is a single-cell culture medium, grew at a slightly faster rate than those cultured in other media and expressed early-stage genes for tri-lineage differentiation. Taken together, these findings provide valuable information for generating MSLCs using single-cell culture methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are developing a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS readout integrated circuit (ROIC) operated at temperatures below $$\sim $$ 4 K. Its application is planned for the readout circuit of high-impedance far-infrared detectors for astronomical observations. We designed a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) using a CMOS operational amplifier (OPAMP) with FD-SOI technique. The TIA is optimized to readout signals from a germanium blocked impurity band (Ge BIB) detector which is highly sensitive to wavelengths of up to $$\sim $$ 200 $$\upmu $$ m. For the first time, we demonstrated the FD-SOI CMOS OPAMP combined with the Ge BIB detector at 4.5 K. The result promises to solve issues faced by conventional cryogenic ROICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This investigation focused on the influence of collagen on the integrity of the Schneiderian membrane during maxillary sinus augmentation in a rabbit model. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between membrane integrity and bone regeneration in augmented maxillary sinuses using collagenated and non-collagenated grafts, through detailed histological and histomorphometric analyses. Methods: In this forward-looking, randomized, split-mouth design, bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation was conducted on 12 rabbits. One sinus was filled with deproteinized bovine bone material (DBBM) as the grafting material (non-collagenated; control), while a combination of DBBM particles integrated with 10% porcine-derived type I collagen was used in the contralateral sinus (collagenated; test). Histological analyses were carried out following healing periods of 2 and 12 weeks. Results: At the 2-week time point, six sites of thinned mucosa (<40 µm) and no perforations were observed in the collagenated group, while twenty-one thinned mucosa sites ( p = 0.027 between test and control) and two perforations ( p = 0.175 between test and control) were found in the non-collagenated group. After 12 weeks of healing, the number of sites with thinned mucosa was 20 in the collagenated group and 19 in the non-collagenated group, with four perforations observed in each group. These perforations were distributed across three sinuses in the collagenated group and two sinuses in the non-collagenated group. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusions : The addition of 10% collagen to deproteinized bovine bone mineral initially provided protection against mucosal thinning and perforation after 2 weeks of healing. However, by week 12, this protective effect diminished, resulting in similar rates of mucosal thinning and perforations in both groups.

Recent progress in materials chemistry has resulted in the development of several ceramic materials that are now being used in dental implants. The advantages of ceramic materials over conventional metallic materials are that they do not induce allergic reactions in individuals with metal allergies, they do not interfere with magnetic resonance imaging, and they provide improved esthetics. In addition, some ceramic materials are tougher than metallic materials and less brittle. However, despite these advantages, few ceramic dental implant materials are currently approved for use in Japan. In FY2022, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan commissioned a project called the "Project for the Development of a Guideline for the Evaluation of Ceramic Dental Implants," the goal of which was to consider how best to facilitate swift clinical development and approval of emerging ceramic dental implant materials. At a meeting of experts from professional societies, related industry organizations, and government agencies, the issues related to evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ceramic implant were discussed. Here, we summarize the outcomes of that meeting as a set of principles for the premarketing evaluation of ceramic dental implant materials in Japan., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Conflict of interest: Eiichi Hirose and Kiyoshi Watanabe are employees of PLATON JAPAN and GC CORPORATION, respectively. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The pre-extraction overbuilding procedure was designed aiming to mitigate buccal bone resorption following tooth extraction. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of pre-extraction and juxta-extraction buccal overbuilding treatments in preserving buccal bone volume following tooth extraction., Material and Methods: At the test sites (pre-extraction sites), an alveolar crest overbuilding was performed on the buccal aspect of the distal root of the fourth premolar using a xenograft covered with a collagen membrane. No treatment was applied at the control sites. After 3 months, the distal roots of both fourth premolars were extracted and the alveoli were filled with a collagenated xenograft. An overbuilt procedure was performed also at the control sites (juxta-extraction sites). After 3 months, biopsies were collected., Results: Considering the initial height difference between the lingual and buccal bone plates at the time of extraction, histological evaluation revealed that the resorption of the buccal bone relative to the lingual bone wall was 3.2 mm at the pre-extraction sites and 3.3 mm at the juxta-extraction sites. New bone originated from the residual pre-existing bone crest in an attempt to restore the original dimension., Conclusion: The buccal overbuilding procedures performed three months before tooth extraction did not contribute to preserve the buccal bone crest, despite necessitating an additional surgical procedure. Evidence of ongoing bone regeneration was observed within the augmented space maintained by the biomaterial, suggesting that a prolonged healing period, potentially exceeding six months as indicated by this study, might be required to achieve optimal outcomes., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: Approval for the study protocol was obtained from both the Ethical Committee of the Rof Codina Foundation and the relevant regional authority (Xunta de Galicia, Xefatura Territorial da Consellería do medio Rural. Ronda da Muralla, 70. Lugo, Spain), under approval number: 01/20/LU-001. Conflict of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: A comprehensive investigation to associate the use of polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid with bovine bone in maxillary sinus lift procedures in rabbits has not been performed yet. The aim was to evaluate the influence of this novel association on the processes of bone regeneration in maxillary sinus augmentation., Methods: In this prospective, randomized, within-animal model, maxillary sinus augmentation was performed bilaterally in 12 rabbits. Deproteinized bovine bone material (DBBM) was used as filler material. A hyaluronic acid-polynucleotide gel was aggregated at the test site. Histological evaluations were performed after 2 and 10 weeks of healing., Results: After 2 weeks of healing, similar amounts of new bone were observed at both the control (7.7 ± 4.3%) and test sites (8.1 ± 3.8%; p = 0.697). Bone formation was observed predominantly along the osteotomy margins and adjacent sinus walls. After 10 weeks of healing, the total new bone fraction reached 28.0 ± 10.1% at the control sites and 27.3 ± 10.5% at the test sites ( p = 0.563). Multiple perforations of the sinus mucosa were observed in both groups when in contact with the biomaterial granules., Conclusion: The present study failed to demonstrate a positive effect on bone formation when incorporating hyaluronic acid-polynucleotide gel (Regenfast) into a xenograft for maxillary sinus augmentation. Additionally, the use of this gel did not mitigate the occurrence of thinned mucosa or reduce the risk of subsequent sinus mucosa perforation.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of a sticky dual-phase porcine-derived bone substitute, compared to a similar non-adhesive graft, in addressing induced perforations of the Schneider membrane during sinus lift using a within-subject design rabbit model., Materials and Methods: Bilateral sinus floor elevations were performed in 12 rabbits. The sinus mucosa was intentionally perforated using a blade on both sides and randomly filled with either a cortico-cancellous bone embedded in a 20% thermosensitive gel (GTO sticky bone test) or a cortical cancellous bone and 10% collagen (mp3 control). Healing progress was evaluated after 2 and 10 weeks in 6 animals at each time-point, with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), micro-computed tomography (microCT) and histological assessments., Results: One animal of the 2-week group died but was substituted. No other complications were observed. At 2-week, on CBCTs, biomaterials particles were observed in the vicinity of the Schneider membrane in two out of six sinuses of each group, but never dispersed into the sinus. MicroCT and histology consistently revealed few granules beyond the elevated region. Histologically, five sinuses in the mp3 group and two sinuses in the GTO group exhibited granules outside the elevated region but in the vicinity of the perforations. In the 10-week groups, the number of affected sinuses decreased to one in the mp3 group and two in the GTO group. Throughout all observations, the graft granules consistently resided proximate to the elevated region. Micro-CT demonstrated a reduction in the volume of the elevated region by approximately 12% after 2 weeks and 50-54% after 10 weeks., Conclusions: The use of both sticky and non-sticky bone substitutes seems to prevent a substantial amount of particles from extruding through an induced perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. This suggests that it could be possible to use a sticky bone as an alternative to a barrier membrane to avoid the extrusion of bone granules in the presence of accidental perforation of the sinus membrane in clinical practice. After 10 weeks of healing, the volume of the elevated region decreased by approximately 50%, possibly due to biomaterial resorption and loss through the surgically created perforation.

Background: The mandible of the rabbit is considered a reliable model to be used to study bone regeneration in defects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the formation of new bone around implants installed in defects of either 5 or 10 mm in the mandible of rabbits., Materials and Methods: In 12 rabbits, 3 mm deep circumferential defect, either 5 or 10 mm in diameter, were prepared bilaterally and an implant was placed in the center. A collagen membrane was placed to close the entrance. After 10 weeks, biopsies were taken, histological slides were prepared, and different regions of the defects were analyzed., Results: Similar amounts of new bone were found in both defects. However, most of the 5 mm defects were filled with new bone. New bone was observed closing the entrance of the defect and laid onto the implant surface. Only in a few cases the healing was incomplete. Despite a similar percentage of new bone found within the 10 mm defects, the healing was incomplete in most of the cases, presenting a low rate of bone formation onto the implant surface within the defect. Only one case presented the closure of the entrance., Conclusions: The dimensions of the defect strongly influenced the healing so that a circumferential marginal defect of 10 mm around an implant in the mandible body should be considered a critical-sized defect. The presence of the implant and of residues of teeth might have strongly influenced the healing., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The purpose of this study is to develop two-step deep learning models that can automatically detect implant regions on panoramic radiographs and identify several types of implants. A total of 1,574 panoramic radiographs containing 3675 implants were included. The implant manufacturers were Kyocera, Dentsply Sirona, Straumann, and Nobel Biocare. Model A was created to detect oral implants and identify the manufacturers using You Only Look Once (YOLO) v7. After preparing the image patches that cropped the implant regions detected by model A, model B was created to identify the implant types per manufacturer using EfficientNet. Model A achieved very high performance, with recall of 1.000, precision of 0.979, and F1 score of 0.989. It also had accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score of 0.98 or higher for the classification of the manufacturers. Model B had high classification metrics above 0.92, exception for Nobel's class 2 (Parallel). In this study, two-step deep learning models were built to detect implant regions, identify four manufacturers, and identify implant types per manufacturer., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Society of The Nippon Dental University.)

Background: Healing of critical-size defects is a well-known problem that has been challenged in several studies. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate bone formation and osseointegration of implants installed in critical defects of the mandibular body simultaneously grafted with Bio-Oss® or Cerabone®., Material and Methods: Defects, 10 mm wide and 3 mm deep, were prepared at both lateral aspects of the mandible in 12 rabbits. One implant was installed in the center of the defect, and bovine xenografts produced either at low (Bio-Oss®; Low-T) or high (Cerabone®; High-T) temperatures were used to fill the defects. A collagen membrane was placed to cover the sites. Healing was evaluated 10 weeks after surgery., Results: In both groups, most sites showed optimal healing with closure of the coronal entrance of the defects. However, residual defects occupied by soft tissues and biomaterial particles were observed, even though generally limited to some regions of the defect. Osseointegration of the implant surface in the region of the defect was poor in both groups., Conclusions: Circumferential marginal critical-size defects around implants filled with bovine xenografts presented regions with a complete healing in both groups. However, the healing was not complete at all regions in most defects; therefore, a complete optimal healing of critical-size marginal defects cannot be predicted., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to apply the break-even point concept to express the dynamics of bone formation and resorption around implants., Methods: Published data on new bone and parent bone densities around implants from one human and three dog studies were selected and used for analysis. The break-even point (BEP) of the bone density (BD) was assessed. The BEP is the point at which, in a graph, the lines representing the formation of new bone and resorption of old bone intersect. BEP is expressed in time (x; days) of occurrence and percentage of bone (y; %) at which the break-even point occurs and illustrates the grade of bone modeling. The sooner the occurrence, the faster the bone formation in relation to the resorption of the old bone., Results: In the marrow and cortical compartments, BEP of bone density occurred after 7.9 days (BD% 24.5%) and >30 days, respectively. Different surfaces presented similar BEP, ranging between 9.7 and 11.2 days (BD% 19.1-22.5%). BEP at implants installed in the human maxilla occurred after 29-30.4 days (BD% 28.3-29.6%)., Conclusion: The present study showed that the parameters used to express the break-even point can provide information on the influence of the model used, surface characteristics, and bone quality on bone modeling/remodeling around implants., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

We aimed to improve the biocompatibility and osteoinductive potential of Ti implants using a simulated intraoral hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating. We devised a novel surface treatment for aggressive induction of osteoblast adhesion and bone regeneration on the implant surface. A thin α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) film was deposited on the implant surface using a pulsed Er:YAG laser. The coating was converted to HAp through artificial saliva immersion, which was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM showed needle-like HAp crystals on the Ti disks and sandblasted implant surfaces after immersion in artificial saliva for 96 h. Microcomputed tomography and histological evaluation 4 and 8 weeks after implantation into beagle dog mandibles showed that the HAp-coated implant was biocompatible and exhibited superior osteoinduction compared to that of sandblasted implants. Coating the implant surface with HAp using an Er:YAG laser has potential as a new method of the implant-surface debridement.

Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant multisystem disorder that presents with ectoderm and mesoderm-derived symptoms. Skin manifestations including congenital patchy skin aplasia, congenital nodular fat herniation, congenital hypo- or hyperpigmentation along Blaschko's lines, telangiectasia, and congenital ridged dysplastic nails are typical in this disorder. Almost all cases of Goltz syndrome correspond to female newborns and that hemizygosis makes the syndrome fetal in males. Triple X syndrome is a relatively common congenital disorder that presents with mild to no symptoms in the developmental and psychiatric realm. The patient reported here was born with multisystem anomaly affecting the eyes, craniofacial region, cardiovascular system, skin, and limbs. A G-banding chromosomal study revealed 47, XXX. She was diagnosed with Goltz syndrome owing to her distinctive skin manifestations. The congenital cervical skin defect healed with conservative treatment. The facial cleft, cleft lip-palate, and syndactyly were successfully treated with multiple surgical treatments. The combination of triple X syndrome and Goltz syndrome is very rare. We describe the expression of presenting with both syndromes simultaneously., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Active galaxies contain a supermassive black hole at their center that grows by accreting matter from the surrounding galaxy. The accretion process in about the central 10 parsecs has not been directly resolved in previous observations because of the small apparent angular sizes involved. We observed the active nucleus of the Circinus Galaxy using submillimeter interferometry. A dense inflow of molecular gas was evident on subparsec scales. We calculated that less than 3% of this inflow is accreted by the black hole, with the rest being ejected by multiphase outflows, providing feedback to the host galaxy. Our observations also reveal a dense gas disk surrounding the inflow that is gravitationally unstable, which drives the accretion into about the central 1 parsec.

The detection of starlight from the host galaxies of quasars during the reionization epoch (z > 6) has been elusive, even with deep Hubble Space Telescope observations 1,2 . The current highest redshift quasar host detected 3 , at z = 4.5, required the magnifying effect of a foreground lensing galaxy. Low-luminosity quasars 4-6 from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) 7 mitigate the challenge of detecting their underlying, previously undetected host galaxies. Here we report rest-frame optical images and spectroscopy of two HSC-SSP quasars at z > 6 with the JWST. Using near-infrared camera imaging at 3.6 and 1.5 μm and subtracting the light from the unresolved quasars, we find that the host galaxies are massive (stellar masses of 13 × and 3.4 × 10 10  M ☉ , respectively), compact and disc-like. Near-infrared spectroscopy at medium resolution shows stellar absorption lines in the more massive quasar, confirming the detection of the host. Velocity-broadened gas in the vicinity of these quasars enables measurements of their black hole masses (1.4 × 10 9 and 2.0 × 10 8  M ☉ , respectively). Their location in the black hole mass-stellar mass plane is consistent with the distribution at low redshift, suggesting that the relation between black holes and their host galaxies was already in place less than a billion years after the Big Bang., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

This study aimed to analyze the morphology of bone graft granules, the presence of granule demineralization, and bone morphology in retrieved human maxillary sinus bone graft biopsies. Healthy patients underwent sinus bone augmentation using lateral access. Two different dimensions of the antrostomy were performed, a 4 mm or 8 mm height. After 6 months, all sites received one implant using a flap technique, crestal positioning, and submerged healing. Implant biopsies were retrieved after 3 months and were histologically processed. The ESEM analysis was performed on the entire portion of the peri-implant bone (up to 750 µm from the implant thread). Three different regions of interest (ROIs) were selected: the coronal, middle, and apical portions of the implant. In these areas, EDX was performed, and calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), nitrogen (N), and their atomic ratios (Ca/P, Ca/N, and P/N) were calculated. Different bone tissue electron-dense areas were detected through grayscale intensity quantification of ESEM images with different organic (N) or inorganic (Ca,P) compositions. A total of 16 biopsies from 16 healthy patients were analyzed. Bone graft granules were mostly detected in the apical ROI. New bone tissue bridges were detected in the apical and middle ROI. These structures, with lower Ca/N and P/N ratios, were connected and enveloped the bone graft granules. Cortical ROI revealed the most mineralized bone tissue. Conclusions: After 9 months, bone graft resorption was only partially completed and new bone tissue appeared less mineralized in the middle and apical ROI than in the coronal ROI., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: To compare healing of collagenated and non-collagenated xenografts used for maxillary sinus floor elevation. Materials and Methods: Two different xenografts were used: deproteinized bovine bone (DBBM group) and collagenated corticocancellous porcine bone (collagenated group). Healing was studied after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The loss of dimensions of the elevated area and the percentages of new bone, xenograft remnants, osteoclastic zones, vessels, inflammatory infiltrates, and soft tissues were analyzed. Three regions were evaluated: close to the bone walls (bone wall region), subjacent the sinus mucosa (submucosa region), and the center of the elevated area (middle region). The primary variables were the percentage of new bone and xenograft remnants. Results: Between 2 and 8 weeks, the elevated areas showed a reduction of 16.3% and 52.2% in the DBBM and collagenated groups, respectively (p < 0.01 between the two areas after 8 weeks). After 8 weeks, the highest content of new bone was observed in the bone wall region, which was higher in the collagenated group than in the DBBM group (41.6% and 28.6%, respectively; p < 0.01). A similar quantity of new bone was found between the two groups in other regions. A higher percentage of vessels in all regions evaluated (p < 0.01) and soft tissue in the sub-mucosa region (p < 0.05) was found in the collagenated group than in the DBBM group. Conclusions: The present study showed that both xenografts allowed new bone formation. In comparison with the non-collagenated xenograft, the collagenated xenograft underwent higher resorption, resulting in greater shrinkage of the elevated space after sinus lifting and a higher content of new bone in the regions close to the bone walls. Clinical relevance: In this study, the region adjacent to the bone wall showed the highest new bone content. This region resembles the base of the sinus, closest to the sinus floor and walls, and is the most important region from a clinical point of view because it is where the implant will be installed. Residues of the biomaterial remained after 8 weeks of healing. Other reports have shown that these biomaterial residues may interfere with the integration of implants.

Sarcomeric contraction in cardiomyocytes serves as the basis for the heart's pump functions. It has generally been considered that in cardiac muscle as well as in skeletal muscle, sarcomeres equally contribute to myofibrillar dynamics in myocytes at varying loads by producing similar levels of active and passive force. In the present study, we expressed α-actinin-AcGFP in Z-disks to analyze dynamic behaviors of sequentially connected individual sarcomeres along a myofibril in a left ventricular (LV) myocyte of the in vivo beating mouse heart. To quantify the magnitude of the contribution of individual sarcomeres to myofibrillar dynamics, we introduced the novel parameter "contribution index" (CI) to measure the synchrony in movements between a sarcomere and a myofibril (from -1 [complete asynchrony] to 1 [complete synchrony]). First, CI varied markedly between sarcomeres, with an average value of ∼0.3 during normal systole. Second, when the movements between adjacent sarcomeres were asynchronous (CI < 0), a sarcomere and the ones next to the adjacent sarcomeres and farther away moved in synchrony (CI > 0) along a myofibril. Third, when difference in LV pressure in diastole and systole (ΔLVP) was lowered to <10 mm Hg, diastolic sarcomere length increased. Under depressed conditions, the movements between adjacent sarcomeres were in marked asynchrony (CI, -0.3 to -0.4), and, as a result, average CI was linearly decreased in association with a decrease in ΔLVP. These findings suggest that in the left ventricle of the in vivo beating mouse heart, (1) sarcomeres heterogeneously contribute to myofibrillar dynamics due to an imbalance of active and passive force between neighboring sarcomeres, (2) the force imbalance is pronounced under depressed conditions coupled with a marked increase in passive force and the ensuing tug-of-war between sarcomeres, and (3) sarcomere synchrony via the distal intersarcomere interaction regulates the heart's pump function in coordination with myofibrillar contractility., (© 2021 Kobirumaki-Shimozawa et al.)

Purpose: To examine the reaction of mucosa over time to a close contact with biomaterial after sinus elevation performed with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) granules of two different sizes., Materials and Methods: Bilateral sinus mucosa elevation was performed in 18 New Zealand rabbits through access on the nasal dorsum. DBBM with granule dimensions of either 1 to 2 mm (large group) or 0.250 to 1.0 mm (small group) were used to randomly fill the subantral hollow spaces. Biopsy specimens of the experimental sites from six animals in each group were obtained 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the surgery., Results: The integrity of the sinus mucosa was clinically evaluated during surgery using a ×2.5 magnifying visual device. The sinus mucosa in contact with the biomaterial granules was found to be thinned compared with the pristine mucosa in all periods examined. Three hundred fifty-two thinned zones were found considering all 36 sinuses treated. Perforations of the sinus mucosa with extrusion of granules toward the sinus were observed, increasing in number over time. In the 8-week healing period, five perforations in three sinuses and eight perforations in four sinuses were found in the large and small groups, respectively. No differences were seen between the large and small groups. The differences between 2 and 8 weeks were statistically significant for the thinned mucosa width in both the large and the small groups and for the number of sinuses and perforations for the small group., Conclusion: Thinning zones and perforations of the sinus mucosa were seen increasing in number over time in regions in contact with graft granules in both the large and small groups.

Background: Recently, it has become possible to analyze implant placement position using the digital matching data of optical impression data of the oral cavity or plaster models with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data, and create a highly accurate surgical guide. It has been reported that CBCT measurements were smaller than the actual values, termed shrinkage. Matching of digital data is reliable when the plaster model or intraoral impression values show shrinkage at the same rate as the CBCT data. However, if the shrinkage rate is significantly different, the obtained digital data become unreliable. To clarify digital matching reliability, we examined dimensional reproducibility and shrinkage in measurements obtained with a model scanner, intra-oral scanner (iOS), and CBCT., Materials and Methods: Three implants that were arranged in a triangle were fixed in an acrylic plate. The distance between each implants were measured using model scanner, iOS, and CBCT. The actual size measured by electronic caliper was regarded as control., Results: All values measured with CBCT were significantly smaller than that of model scanner, iOS, and control (p<0.001). The model scanner shrinkage was 0.37-0.39%, iOS shrinkage was 0.9-1.4%, and CBCT shrinkage was 1.8-6.9%. There were statistically significant differences among the shrinkage with iOS, CBCT, and model scanner (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Our findings showed that all measurements obtained with those modalities showed shrinkage as compared to the actual values. In addition, CBCT shrinkage was largest among three different measuring methods. They indicated that data matching between CBCT and scanner measurements requires attention in regard to the reliability of values obtained with those devices.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children is often associated with poor morbidity and mortality and exhibits distinct pathological entities from those of adult DCM. Owing to the limited number of patients and the lack of a good animal model, the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric DCM remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to establish an animal model of neonatal DCM and identify early progression factors., Methods: Cardiac phenotypes and comprehensive gene expression profiles in homozygous ΔK210 knock-in (TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 ) mice were analyzed and compared to TNNT2 +/ΔK210 and wild-type mice at 0 days and 1 week of age., Results: Immediately after birth, the cardiac weight in TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice was already increased compared to that in TNNT2 +/ΔK210 and wild-type mice. Echocardiographic examination of 0-day-old and 1-week-old TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice revealed similar phenotypes of pediatric DCM. In addition, several genes were significantly upregulated in the ventricular tissues of TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice, and the KEGG PATHWAY analysis revealed several important pathways such as cancer and focal adhesion that might be associated with the pathogenesis and development of DCM., Conclusions: TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice have already developed DCM at birth, indicating that they should be an excellent animal model to identify early progression factors of DCM., Impact: TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice are excellent animal model for DCM. TNNT2 ΔK210/ΔK210 mice are excellent animal model to identify early progression factors of DCM. KEGG PATHWAY analysis revealed that several important pathways such as cancer and focal adhesion might be associated with the pathogenesis and development of neonatal DCM.

Background: In a previous experimental study, new bone was found growing within granules of HA/β-TCP. In vitro and experimental studies have shown increased protein adsorption and cell adhesion graft material bioactivated with Argon plasma. The aims of the present experiment were to study new bone ingrowth into β-TCP/HA granules used as filler material for sinus lifting and the influence on the healing of the bioactivation of the graft with argon plasma., Methods: Sinus lifting was carried out in 20 rabbits using 60% HA and 40% β-TCP as filler material either bio-activated with argon plasma (plasma group) or left untreated (control group). The antrostomies were closed with collagen membranes. Biopsies representing the healing after 2 and 10 weeks were collected, and ground sections were prepared for histomorphometric analyses. Various regions of the elevated space were analyzed both around (outer bone; OB) and inside (interpenetrating bone network, IBN) the graft particles., Results: After 2 weeks of healing, 8.2% and 9.3% (n = 10; p = 0.635) of total new bone (OB + IBN) was found in the plasma and control groups, respectively. Small fractions of IBN were found, spreading from the periphery inward of the graft particles. After 10 weeks of healing, the total new bone was 34.0% in the plasma and 31.3% in Control groups (n = 9; p = 0.594). The respective fractions of IBN were 18.0% and 16.0%. New bone was penetrating from the peripheral regions inside the remnants of graft particles, where it was forming a network of bridges in continuity to the remnants of biomaterial through its porosities. The biomaterial decreased in proportion between 2 and 10 weeks from 52.1 to 28.3% in the plasma group, and from 52.5% to 31.9% in the control group., Conclusion: The bio-activation with argon plasma on a synthetic graft composed of 60% HA and 40% β-TCP used as filler material for sinus lifting showed a tendency to improve bone formation; however, the difference with the control group was neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant.

Purpose: The aim of the present experiment was to compare the data on new bone formation measured histologically and microtomographically in maxillary sinuses augmented with a xenograft with higher density and higher mineral content compared with the natural bone. The hypothesis was that histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography (microCT) analyses do not yield similar outcomes when a xenograft with higher density and mineral content compared with the natural bone is used., Methods: In 18 rabbits, the maxillary sinus was augmented bilaterally using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) xenograft granules of either 0.125-1 mm or 1-2 mm of dimensions. The rabbits were euthanized after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. Comparisons were performed between microCT and histological analyses., Results: After 2 weeks of healing, higher contents of bone were found at the histological compared with the microCT analyses in both sinuses, especially in the middle regions of the grafted sinus. Between 2 and 8 weeks of healing, new bone increased of about 21% at the histological analyses while, at the microCT, increased only about 4%. In the same period, the xenograft proportion decreased from 51.6 ± 4.9 to 45.3 ± 3.3% at the histological analyses while, at the microCT, the xenograft appeared to increase in percentages., Conclusion: Histological and microCT analyses yielded different outcomes when a xenograft with higher density and higher mineral content compared with the natural bone was used.

Background: Various anatomical references and structures should be analyzed prior approaching a surgery in the maxillary sinus. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anatomical structures and references involved in sinus floor elevation with a lateral approach., Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients planned for sinus floor elevation were included in the study. Eighty-eight maxillary sinuses were evaluated using cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs). The nasal floor was used as main reference (X) and sinus mucosa width, bone crest height, palatal-nasal recess angle (PNR), sinus width at the level of the nasal floor, distance from the nasal floor to the base of the sinus (X-F), position of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA height) and diameter (PSAA diameter), lateral bone wall width at 3mm (LW 3mm) and 9mm (LW 9mm) from the base of the sinus (F), patency of the ostium (OP), and presence and position of septa have been evaluated., Results: The mean dimensions and standard deviations were the following: mucosa thickness was 2.0±1.4mm, bone crest height 2.8±1.4mm, distance X-F 8.3±1.9mm, PNR angle 135.5±23.1, sinus width 12.6±4.2mm, X-F 8.3±1.9mm, PSAA height 14.4±2.9mm, PSAA diameter 1.1±0.4mm, LW 3mm 1.5±1.2, LW 9mm 1.3±0.6mm, OP 1.9±0.4mm. Septa were present in 19.3% of the sinuses evaluated and were located mostly in the molar region., Conclusions: In conclusion, the analysis of the CBCT before sinus floor elevation allows the identification of anatomical structures and references that might be used for the planning of the surgical approach, aiming to improve the outcome of the treatment and to avoid possible complications., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of prosthetic treatment of a single missing intermediate molar by performing cost-utility analysis on implants, insurance fixed dental prostheses (IFDPs), and private fixed dental prostheses (PFDPs)., Materials and Methods: Transition probability (based on the results of past research) and the Markov model were used for cost-utility analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed for sensitivity analysis. The utility values for various types of missing teeth were collected in September 2017, and dental prosthetic treatment was performed in general members of the Japanese population, distributed by sex and age. The time trade-off (TTO) method, which is an index scale (0-1), was used for measuring the utility values., Results: The utility value was the highest when measured at the state in which implant treatment was performed and the lowest when measured in the untreated missing-tooth state. This model showed that compared to FDPs, implant treatment resulted in higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). However, the estimated cost over 30 years was lower for IFDPs. The results also showed that PFDPs were in a more extended, dominant state than both IFDPs and implants. The implant-to-IFDP ICER was €2,454.37., Conclusion: The results suggest that implants can be used to obtain higher utility values in comparison to IFDPs and PFDPs. The ICER threshold for 1 QALY in Japan is approximately €37,037 to €44,444, and the implant-to-IFDP ICER was found to be below that found in this study. Accordingly, it appears that implants offer superior cost-effectiveness.

We examined the effect of acupuncture or electro-acupuncture on circulatory parameters by use of a non-invasive procedure in 10 healthy male adult volunteers. Circulatory parameters measured were systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, total peripheral resistance and cardiac output. Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture significantly increased total peripheral resistance, and electro-acupuncture increased systolic blood pressure further. There was no difference in cardiac output compared with the control. The results suggest that acupuncture or electro-acupuncture has an action of alpha-stimulation but not of beta-stimulation, and that electro-acupuncture has a stronger effect than acupuncture alone.