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Various noninvasive techniques (dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, etc.) have been introduced to help the clinical diagnosis in nonmelanoma skin cancer. Among them, the high definition video thermographic technique (VTG) has recently been proposed. The aim of this study is to define the VTG patterns, respectively of actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and to compare these data with them of dermoscopy. The study included 36 patients with a total number of 135 lesions who underwent clinical, VTG, and dermoscopic examination. The VTG showed the presence of a hyperthermic pattern in all the cases of AK, while in the case of the BCC, the pattern was hypothermic. Dermoscopy also showed distinct pattern for AK and for BCC, but in 22% of them the data were not conclusive. Our study permits us to define two specific VTG patterns, BCC and AK respectively., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The role of the ocular disorders (OD) in pathogenesis of MMp is still a controversal issue. Ocular arc reflexes (OAR) may involve changes in head and neck posture and generate modifications of contraction resulting in muscle contraction and finally weakness. sEMG tests were performed on 28 patients (13 with masticatory muscles pain and myopia/15 healthy) in rest position with eyes open and eyes closed. Patients group control (healthy patients) showed no significance difference in sEMG record in open/close test. In non healthy patients there were great differences between the sEMG recordings with eyes closed and open. Temporalis and masseters showed a statistical difference of means activation in two tests (temporalis p = 0.0010; masseters = 0.0006). Great difference there was in means muscles activation between open eyes healthy test and non healthy. No difference in close eyes test was evaluated in temporalis and masseters close test in the two groups. The exact causes of MMp are still unknown. The role how ocular disorders (OD) may play an important role in pathogenesis of MMp is still a controversal issue. Ocular arc reflexes (OAR) may involve changes in head and neck posture and generate modifications of contraction resulting in muscle contraction and finally weakness.

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a common disease of unknown aetiology affecting oral mucosae by T-cell mediated chronic inflammation. OLP diagnosis is made by evaluating both clinical and histological criteria. Pharmacological treatment is useful in symptomatic cases. Life-long clinical follow-up is essential, due to low-risk of malignant transformation. In vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) offers a real-time virtual biopsy of the being tissues and does not require surgical excision nor histopathological processing. RCM was used to capture OLP lesions in order to clinically differentiate them from other clinical entities.

Adult mesenchymal stem cells, such as dental pulp stem cells, are of great interest for cell-based tissue engineering strategies because they can differentiate into a variety of tissue-specific cells, above all, into osteoblasts. In recent years, epigenetic studies on stem cells have indicated that specific histone alterations and modifying enzymes play essential roles in cell differentiation. However, although several studies have reported that valproic acid (VPA)-a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDAC)-enhances osteoblast differentiation, data on osteocalcin expression-a late-stage marker of differentiation-are limited. We therefore decided to study the effect of VPA on dental pulp stem cell differentiation. A low concentration of VPA did not reduce cell viability, proliferation, or cell cycle profile. However, it was sufficient to significantly enhance matrix mineralization by increasing osteopontin and bone sialoprotein expression. In contrast, osteocalcin levels were decreased, an effect induced at the transcriptional level, and were strongly correlated with inhibition of HDAC2. In fact, HDAC2 silencing with shRNA produced a similar effect to that of VPA treatment on the expression of osteoblast-related markers. We conclude that VPA does not induce terminal differentiation of osteoblasts, but stimulates the generation of less mature cells. Moreover, specific suppression of an individual HDAC by RNA interference could enhance only a single aspect of osteoblast differentiation, and thus produce selective effects., (© AlphaMed Press.)

Unlabelled: The aim of the present study is to compare the histological aspects of bone formation in atrophic posterior mandibles augmented by autologous bone block from chin area with corticocancellous bone block allograft used as inlays with the sandwich technique., Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with bilateral partial edentulism in the posterior mandible were selected. The residual bone height, preliminarily measured by computed tomography scans, ranged between 5 and 7 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve. All patients required regeneration procedure with autologous bone block from chin area (control group) versus bone block allograft Puros (Zimmer Dental, 1900 Aston Avenue, Carlsbad, CA, USA) (test group). Histological and histomorphometric samples were collected at the time of implant positioning in order to analyze the percentage of newly formed bone, the residual graft material, and marrow spaces/soft tissue., Results: No statistically significant differences between the two groups were found regarding the percentage of newly formed bone. The percentage of residual grafted material was significantly higher in the test group, whilst the percentage of marrow spaces was higher in control group., Conclusions: In conclusion, both procedures supported good results, although the use of bone blocks allograft was less invasive and preferable than harvesting bone from the mental symphysis.

Background: An adequate alveolar crest is essential for implant placement in terms of esthetics and function. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the preservation of the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction using porcine-derived xenograft combined with a membrane versus extraction-alone (EXT) sites., Methods: Fifteen patients who required double extraction of contralateral premolars and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive both ridge-preservation procedure and EXT. The test sites (alveolar ridge preservation [ARP]) included 15 sockets treated using a corticocancellous porcine bone xenograft (OsteoBiol® Gen-Os; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy) associated with a soft cortical membrane (OsteoBiol® Lamina; Tecnoss srl), while the corresponding control sites (EXT) were left without grafting for EXT. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were recorded at baseline and 6 months after extractions., Results: After 6 months, the EXT sites showed a significantly greater reabsorption of the buccolingual/palatal dimension of the alveolar ridge (3.7 ± 1.2 mm) compared with the ARP sites (1.8 ± 1.3 mm). The mean vertical ridge height reduction in the control sockets was 3.1 ± 1.3 mm at the buccal sites and 2.4 ± 1.6 mm at the lingual sites compared with 0.6 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, in the test sockets. The differences between test and control sockets were not significant for the mesial and distal measurements., Conclusions: The placement of a porcine xenograft with a membrane in an extraction socket can be used to reduce the hard tissue reabsorption after tooth extraction compared with EXT., (© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by megakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and longitudinal limb deficiencies mostly affecting the radial ray. Most patients are compound heterozygotes for a 200 kb interstitial microdeletion in 1q21.1 and a hypomorphic allele in RBM8A, mapping in the deleted segment. At the moment, the complete molecular characterization of thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome is limited to a handful of patients mostly ascertained in the pediatric age, Case Presentation: We report on a fetus with bilateral upper limb deficiency found at standard prenatal ultrasound examination. The fetus had bilateral radial agenesis and humeral hypo/aplasia with intact thumbs, micrognathia and urinary anomalies, indicating thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome. Molecular studies demonstrated compound heterozygosity for the 1q21.1 microdeletion and the RBM8A rs139428292 variant at the hemizygous state, inherited from the mother and father, respectively, Conclusion: The molecular information allowed prenatal diagnosis in the following pregnancy resulting in the birth of a healthy carrier female. A review was carried out with the attempt to the trace the fetal ultrasound presentation of thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome and discussing opportunities for second-tier molecular studies within a multidisciplinary setting.

Aim: To describe the early healing events in the alveolar socket during the first 8 weeks of spontaneous healing after tooth extraction., Materials and Methods: 16 adult beagle dogs were selected and five healing periods were analysed (4 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks). Mandibular premolars were extracted and each socket corresponding to the mesial root was left to heal undisturbed. In each healing period, three animals were euthanatized, each providing four study sites. Healing was assessed by descriptive histology and by histometric analysis using as landmarks: the vertical distance between buccal and lingual crest (B'L') and the width of buccal and lingual walls at three different levels. Differences between means for each variable for each healing period were compared (ANOVA; p < 0.05)., Results: B'L' at baseline was 0.45 (0.18) mm and decreased during the healing period to a final value of 0.18 (0.08) mm. The lingual width (Lw) remains almost unchanged while the buccal width (Bw) at 1 (Bw1) and 2 (Bw2) mm was reduced in about 40% of its initial value., Conclusions: Minor vertical bone reduction in both the buccal and lingual socket walls were observed. A marked horizontal reduction of the buccal bone wall was observed mostly in its coronal aspect., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mesenchymal stem cells deriving from dental pulp differentiate into osteoblasts capable of producing bone. In previous studies, we extensively demonstrated that, when seeded on collagen I scaffolds, these cells can be conveniently used for the repair of human mandible defects. Here, we assess the stability and quality of the regenerated bone and vessel network 3 years after the grafting intervention, with conventional procedures and in-line holotomography, an advanced phase-imaging method using synchrotron radiation that offers improved sensitivity toward low-absorbing structures. We found that the regenerated tissue from the graft sites was composed of a fully compact bone with a higher matrix density than control human alveolar spongy bone from the same patient. Thus, the regenerated bone, being entirely compact, is completely different from normal alveolar bone. Although the bone regenerated at the graft sites is not of the proper type found in the mandible, it does seem to have a positive clinical impact. In fact, it creates steadier mandibles, may well increase implant stability, and, additionally, may improve resistance to mechanical, physical, chemical, and pharmacological agents.

Primary tumors are responsible for 10% of cancer deaths. In most cases, the main cause of mortality is the formation of metastases. Accumulating evidence suggests that a subpopulation of tumor cells with distinct stem-like properties is responsible for tumor initiation, invasive growth, and metastasis formation. This population is defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Existing therapies have enhanced the length of survival after diagnosis of cancer but have completely failed in terms of recovery. CSCs appear to be resistant to chemotherapy, may remain quiescent for extended periods, and have affinity for hypoxic environments. The CSCs can be identified and isolated by different methodologies, including isolation by CSC-specific cell surface marker expression, detection of side population phenotype by Hoechst 33342 exclusion, assessment of their ability to grow as floating spheres, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity assay. None of the methods mentioned are exclusively used to isolate the solid tumor CSCs, highlighting the imperative to delineate more specific markers or to use combinatorial markers and methodologies. This review provides an overview of the main characteristics and approaches used to identify, isolate, and characterize CSCs from solid tumors.

Background. Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an autoimmune inflammatory skin disease that leads to tissue sclerosis. Actually, the first-line treatment consists of local steroid as clobetasol propionate (CP). Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through the reduction of cytokine production and growth stimulation of fibroblast. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of intradermal administration of PDRN in male patients suffering from genital lichen sclerosus in addition to topical 0.05% CP, as compared to administering 0.05% CP without PDRN injection. Patients/Methods. A group of male patients (n = 28; aged 25 to 65) suffering from LS were observed during topical therapy or subdermal in addition to topical therapy. Disease activity at baseline was evaluated on Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). We used polydeoxyribonucleotide in a commercial preparation for human use and a topical CP emulsion. Results. After therapy, in all group A patients there has been a regression of most of clinical pathological signs, while there has been a moderate improvement in all group B patients. Conclusions. On site intradermal administration of PDRN, associated with CP 0.05% cream, seemed to be associated with a clinical improvement of lichen sclerosus better than CP used in single therapy.

Stem cell migration is a critical step during the repair of damaged tissues. In order to achieve appropriate cell-based therapies for tooth and periodontal ligament repair it is necessary first to understand the dynamics of tissue-specific stem cell populations such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and dental follicle stem cells (DFSC). Using time-lapse imaging, we analysed migratory and proliferative capabilities of these two human stem cell lines in vitro. When cultured alone, both DPSC and DFSC exhibited low and irregular migration profiles. In co-cultures, DFSC, but not DPSC, spectacularly increased their migration activity and velocity. DFSC rapidly surrounded the DPSC, thus resembling the in vivo developmental process, where follicle cells encircle both dental epithelium and pulp. Cell morphology was dependent on the culture conditions (mono-culture or co-culture) and changed over time. Regulatory genes involved in dental cell migration and differentiation such as TWIST1, MSX1, RUNX2, SFRP1 and ADAM28, were also evaluated in co-cultures. MSX1 up-regulation indicates that DPSC and DFSC retain their odontogenic potential. However, DPSC lose their capacity to differentiate into odontoblasts in the presence of DFSC, as suggested by RUNX2 up-regulation and TWIST1 down-regulation. In contrast, the unchanged levels of SFRP1 expression suggest that DFSC retain their potential to form periodontal tissues even in the presence of DPSC. These findings demonstrate that stem cells behave differently according to their environment, retain their genetic memory, and compete with each other to acquire the appropriate territory. Understanding the mechanisms involved in stem cell migration may lead to new therapeutic approaches for tooth repair.

The occurrence of lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the oral cavity is extremely rare and a case with involvement of minor salivary glands is very uncommon. We describe a case of LELC of the oral cavity with involvement of the upper lip and of minor salivary glands. The tumour was described at the clinical and instrumental level; moreover, its histopathological phenotype was defined. Finally, the problems of differential diagnosis and the most appropriate therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Objectives: Aim of this work is to show the effectiveness of a protocol involving the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a grafting material in bone regeneration before dental implant rehabilitation., Materials and Methods: 127 patients, requiring maxillary sinus lift, were enrolled in a follow-up study plan, which established clinical and radiological examinations on the day after surgery and six months later. PRP, in combination with autogenous bone, an organic bone material and organic bone substitutes, was used before implant-prosthetic rehabilitation., Results and Conclusions: After implant placement, 63 patients, previously treated with PRP, reached a statistically significant improvement in implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, established by primary stability and radiographic integration criteria, in comparison with the other 64 patients receiving implant-prosthetic rehabilitation without PRP treatment.

Aim: Unilateral posterior crossbite (UPCB) is characterised by an inverse relationship of the upper and lower buccal dental cusps and may involve one or several teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic outcomes of patients with UPCB and those of healthy controls., Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients (mean age 11.5 years) with UPCB and fifteen healthy controls (mean age 12 years) were examined at the Department of Orthodontics, Second University of Naples. Surface electromyography was performed on patients and controls., Results and Conclusion: Patients with UPCB had less muscle activation than healthy subjects (p<0.0001) and an asymmetric muscle activation with 89.23% muscle balancing for temporals and 83.21% for masseters. The control group showed a 99.32% of muscle balancing for temporals and 97.77% for masseters. These findings suggest that asymmetric muscle activation may influence maxillary and mandibular growth in adolescents with UPCB.

Leiomyomas are uncommon in the oral cavity and rare on gingiva. They account only for 0.42% of all soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity. We present an extremely rare case of leiomyoma localized to the attached gingival, simulating an epulis in a healthy 14-year-old boy. The tumour was described at the clinical and instrumental level; moreover, its histopathological phenotype was depicted. The treatment of the choice was the radical excision. The wound was closed by surgical dressing with 2-0 silk suture.The post-operative course was uneventful. The surgical wound healed in one week with normal scarring. Finally, the problems of differential diagnosis with other tumours of the oral cavity and the most appropriate therapeutic procedures are discussed.

The oral cavity is home to numerous viruses and micro-organisms recognized as having a role in various oral diseases as well as in infections in other parts of the body. Indeed, in general a microbial infection underlies or is believed to underlie the ample spectrum of oral diseases, from tooth enamel decay to periodontal lesions, from candidiasis to virus-induced oral squamous cell carcinomas, and bullous autoimmune oral disorders. This clinico-pathological context stresses the need of targeted therapies to specifically kill infectious agents in a complex environment such as the oral cavity, and explains the current interest in exploring peptide-based therapeutic approaches in oral and dental research. Here, we review the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37, beta defensins, adrenomedullin, histatins, and of various peptides modulating gene expression and immuno-biological interaction(s) in oral diseases.

Background: N-Cadherin (CDH2) is a calcium-dependent adhesion protein, whose de novo expression, re-expression, up-regulation and down-regulation in human tumors has been demonstrated. The aim of the present work was to define the prognostic role of N-Cadherin in a large series of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs)., Materials and Methods: A total of 94 selected OSCCs were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by immunohistochemistry for N-Cadherin. The association between protein expression and clinico-pathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis., Results: In neoplastic tissue, N-Cadherin levels were more evident than in normal peritumoral epithelium (p<0.05). Protein staining was mainly detected in the neoplastic cells, and only focal nuclear positivity was observed. Expression of cytoplasmic N-Cadherin correlated significantly with poor histological differentiation (p<0.05). Furthermore, we have observed significant a statistical trend for stage and a correlation with worst patient outcome, also confirmed by Kaplan-Meier estimates., Conclusion: Our work has underlined the key-role of N-Cadherin in oral carcinogenesis and in the prognostic stratification of patients.

The so-called calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) represents a heterogeneous group of lesions that exhibit a variety of clinico-pathologic features. It is an uncommon lesion and represents less than 2% of all odontogenic cysts and tumors. Recently, these lesions have been reclassified as calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (CCOT), according to the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification. CCOT are frequently found in association with, or containing areas histologically identical to, various types of odontogenic tumors, such as complex/compound odontomas. This work analyzed clinical and histological data deriving from 13 patients affected by CCOT associated with odontomas. Moreover, a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis was undertaken to further a better understanding of the nature of this peculiar lesion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs), as well as human osteoblasts, when challenged on a Biocoral scaffold, which is a porous natural hydroxyapatite. For this purpose, human DPSCs were seeded onto a three-dimensional (3D) Biocoral scaffold or on flask surface (control). Either normal or rotative (3D) cultures were performed. Scanning electron microscopic analyses, at 8, 24 and 48 h of culture showed that cells did not adhere on the external surface, but moved into the cavities inside the Biocoral structure. After 7, 15 and 30 days of culture, morphological and molecular analyses suggested that the Biocoral scaffold leads DPSCs to hook into the cavities where these cells quickly start to secrete the extra cellular matrix (ECM) and differentiate into osteoblasts. Control human osteoblasts also moved into the internal cavities where they secreted the ECM. Histological sections revealed a diffuse bone formation inside the Biocoral samples seeded with DPSCs or human osteoblasts, where the original scaffold and the new secreted biomaterial were completely integrated and cells were found within the remaining cavities. In addition, RT-PCR analyses showed a significant increase of osteoblast-related gene expression and, above all, of those genes highly expressed in mineralized tissues, including osteocalcin, OPN and BSP. Furthermore, the effects on the interaction between osteogenesis and angiogenesis were observed and substantiated by ELISA assays. Taken together, our results provide clear evidence that DPSCs differentiated into osteoblasts, forming a biocomplex made of Biocoral, ECM and differentiated cells.

The 810 nm diode laser, due to its high affinity with haemoglobin (elective chromatophore) revealed, by itself, as elective instrument for surgical excision of the tongue, an organ highly vascularized and sensitive to the laser cutting action. The advantages for its use, with respect to the traditional cold blade surgery, are its haemostatic effect (which avoids to close wounds by stitches) and, not less important, the decontaminant effect of the laser ray, due to either the thermal raising created on cutting line and/or the specific selective action exerted on the bacterial membrane by its wavelength. Finally, the analgesic effect of the diode laser contributes to consider this kind of procedure more comfortable for the patient who often roundly requires its use.

During human embryonic development, odontogenic tissues, deriving from the neural crest, remain undifferentiated until the adult age. This study was aimed at characterising the cells of the follicle enveloping the dental germ, due to its direct origin from neural crests. Sixty dental follicles were collected from patients aged 18 to 45 years. This research has clarified that dental follicles, if extracted in a very early stage, when dental roots did not start to be formed, contain a lineage of cells, characterised by a high degree of plasticity in comparison with other adult stem cell populations. In particular, we found that these cells share the following features with ES: (i) high levels of embryonic stem cell markers (CD90, TRA1-60, TRA1-81, OCT-4, CD133, and SSEA-4); (ii) mRNA transcripts for Nanog and Rex-1; (iii) broader potency, being able to differentiate in cell types of all three germ layer, including smooth and skeletal muscle, osteoblasts, neurons, glial cells, and adipocytes; (iv) high levels of telomerase activity; (v) ability to form embryoid bodies; (vi) ability, after injection in murine blastocysts, to be localised within the inner cell mass; (vii) no teratoma formation after injection; (viii) in vivo tissue formation after transplantation. Our results demonstrate that these cells represent a very easy accessible and extraordinary source of pluripotent cells and point out the fact that they own the cardinal feature of embryonic stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells are present in many tissues of the human body, including amniotic fluid (AF) and dental pulp (DP). Stem cells of both AF and DP give rise to a variety of differentiated cells. In our experience, DP stem cells (DPSCs) display a high capacity to produce bone. Therefore, our aim was to investigate if AF-derived stem cells (AFSCs) were able to undergo bone differentiation in the presence of DPSCs. AFSCs were seeded under three different conditions: (i) cocultured with DPSCs previously differentiated into osteoblasts; (ii) cultured in the conditioned medium of osteoblast-differentiated DPSCs; (iii) cultured in the osteogenic medium supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Results showed that AFSCs were positive for mesenchymal markers, and expressed high levels of Tra1-60, Tra1-80, BMPR1, BMPR2, and BMP-2. In contrast, AFSCs were negative for epithelial and hematopoietic/endothelial markers. When AFSCs were cocultured with DPSCs-derived osteoblasts, they differentiated into osteoblasts. A similar effect was observed when AFSCs were cultured in the presence of a conditioned medium originated from DPSCs. We found that osteoblasts derived from DPSCs released large amounts of BMP-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor into the culture medium and that those morphogens significantly upregulate RUNX-2 gene, stimulating osteogenesis. This study highlights the mechanisms of osteogenesis and strongly suggests that the combination of AFSCs with DPSCs may provide a rich source of soluble proteins useful for bone engineering purposes.

The aim of this work was to describe a case of unicystic ameloblastoma located in the left posterior mandibular body and angle of a 14-year-old Caucasian male. The tumour was described at clinical and histological level; moreover, its histopathological phenotype was depicted. Finally, the problems of differential diagnosis with odontogenic or congenital cyst and the most appropriate therapeutic procedures are discussed.

Elsahy-Waters or branchioskeletogenital syndrome is a rare MCA/MR syndrome characterized by moderate mental retardation, hypospadias and characteristic craniofacial morphology, which includes brachycephaly, facial asymmetry, exotropia, hypertelorism/telechantus, broad nose, concave nasal ridge, underdeveloped midface, prognathism, and radicular dentin dysplasia. Here we report on a 44-year-old woman and her 45-year-old brother, born to consanguineous parents, who show a striking resemblance to the earlier described patients. The hitherto reported patients were male and in one pedigree parents were consanguineous. The present report of an affected woman and her brother, born to consanguineous parents, supports autosomal recessive inheritance of this condition. We provide a short review of all previously reported patients with Elsahy-Waters syndrome and related entities., (© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from neural crest and mesenchyme and have the capacity to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. It has already been demonstrated that DPSCs differentiate into melanocyte-like cells but only when cultivated in a specific melanocyte differentiating medium. In this study we have shown, for the first time, that DPSCs are capable of spontaneously differentiating into mature melanocytes, which display molecular and ultrastructural features of full development, including the expression of melanocyte specific markers and the presence of melanosomes up to the terminal stage of maturation. We have also compared the differentiating features of DPSCs grown in different culture conditions, following the timing of differentiation at molecular and cytochemical levels and found that in all culture conditions full development of these cells was obtained, although at different times. The spontaneous differentiating potential of these cells strongly suggests their possible applications in regenerative medicine.

Strømme syndrome is a rare multiple congenital malformation syndrome consisting in apple peel intestinal atresia, ocular anomalies, microcephaly and developmental delay. To date, this condition was described in a couple of sibs and 7 additional sporadic patients. We report on a 11-month-old female, who requested surgical correction for jejunal atresia shortly after birth and also presented with megalocornea and persistence of the pupillary membrane. Microcephaly and developmental delay were absent at last examination. An oligonucleotide CGH-array analysis excluded cryptic chromosome rearrangement(s). Comparison of the previously published and present patients added some details on the natural history of Strømme syndrome. Delivery is usually performed preterm possibly due to polyhydramnios. Birth parameters, especially head circumference, are commonly at the lower end of the normal range. Microcephaly is more frequently but not constantly observed in older individuals, thus suggesting a progressive course, and may relate to an underlying neuronal migration defect. Jejunal atresia has an apple peel appearance in most but not all patients and its post-surgical course is usually uneventful. The ocular phenotype comprises a wide range of anterior chamber anomalies with sclerocornea/corneal leukoma being the most common., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Telethermography (TT) is a non-invasive imaging technique which can be used to evaluate the body's thermal gradients. It has recently been used as a diagnostic tool in many medical fields, especially in the study of the skin and other external organs. We assessed the applicability of TT in the objective evaluation of patch tests in allergic contact dermatitis, where clinical assessment is difficult, especially for atopic or brown-skinned individuals. In 34 individuals with a history of allergy to nickel sulphate (NiSO4), we applied a patch containing NiSO4 to the right side of the back and a patch containing 1% sodium-lauryl-sulphate (SLS) to the left side. As a control, we applied a patch containing an irritant (1% SLS) in a second group of 30 non-allergic individuals. A peculiar pattern was found for allergic reactions. This was characterized by a hot area that extended beyond the borders of the patch site and was oriented towards the nearest lymph-node(s), spreading as a hyperthermic line or lines. For the irritant test (SLS), the hot area was limited to the patch area, and the thermal gradients were lower. Thermography can be considered a useful complementary method for the evaluation of patch tests.

Fibrous histiocytoma is a benign soft tissue tumour arising as a fibrous mass everywhere in the human body. The involvement of the oral cavity is rare. We report two cases of benign fibrous histiocytoma that localized in the oral cavity. The clinical and histological features of the lesion are reported. Finally, a literature revision of this pathology at the level of the oral cavity is reported.

In this study we used a biocomplex constructed from dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (DPCs) and a collagen sponge scaffold for oro-maxillo-facial (OMF) bone tissue repair in patients requiring extraction of their third molars. The experiments were carried out according to our Internal Ethical Committee Guidelines and written informed consent was obtained from the patients. The patients presented with bilateral bone reabsorption of the alveolar ridge distal to the second molar secondary to impaction of the third molar on the cortical alveolar lamina, producing a defect without walls, of at least 1.5 cm in height. This clinical condition does not permit spontaneous bone repair after extraction of the third molar, and eventually leads to loss also of the adjacent second molar. Maxillary third molars were extracted first for DPC isolation and expansion. The cells were then seeded onto a collagen sponge scaffold and the obtained biocomplex was used to fill in the injury site left by extraction of the mandibular third molars. Three months after autologous DPC grafting, alveolar bone of patients had optimal vertical repair and complete restoration of periodontal tissue back to the second molars, as assessed by clinical probing and X-rays. Histological observations clearly demonstrated the complete regeneration of bone at the injury site. Optimal bone regeneration was evident one year after grafting. This clinical study demonstrates that a DPC/collagen sponge biocomplex can completely restore human mandible bone defects and indicates that this cell population could be used for the repair and/or regeneration of tissues and organs.

Darier disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in ATP2A2 and characterized by multiple warty papules coalescing in seborrheic areas and specific histological skin changes. Rare patients are described with variable bone involvement, but this association has never been sufficiently emphasized. Aniridia is a developmental disorder of the eye due to heterozygous mutations in PAX6. DD and aniridia are Mendelian traits mapping on independent loci and have never been reported in association. Here, we describe a 14-year-old girl showing the unique combination of DD, multiple bone cysts, and bilateral aniridia. Molecular investigations demonstrated that such a complex phenotype is due to double de novo heterozygous mutations in ATP2A2 and PAX6. Review of the literature indicates that, in DD, bone cysts are true developmental abnormalities of the skeleton. This finding suggests a role for ATP2A2 in bone biology. More systematic studies are expected in order to estimate the true prevalence of bone cysts in DD and the relationship between skeletal changes and ATP2A2 perturbation., (2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be found within the "cell rich zone" of dental pulp. Their embryonic origin, from neural crests, explains their multipotency. Up to now, two groups have studied these cells extensively, albeit with different results. One group claims that these cells produce a "dentin-like tissue", whereas the other research group has demonstrated that these cells are capable of producing bone, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, it has been reported that these cells can be easily cryopreserved and stored for long periods of time and still retain their multipotency and bone-producing capacity. Moreover, recent attention has been focused on tissue engineering and on the properties of these cells: several scaffolds have been used to promote 3-D tissue formation and studies have demonstrated that DPSCs show good adherence and bone tissue formation on microconcavity surface textures. In addition, adult bone tissue with good vascularization has been obtained in grafts. These results enforce the notion that DPSCs can be used successfully for tissue engineering., ((c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Background: Dermoid cysts are rare congenital lesions derived from pluripotential cells., Case Presentation: We present a case of a female patient aged 30 years presenting for a lesion of the mandibula incidentally seen on a routine panoramic radiograph obtained for dental care. The instrumental, clinical and histological characteristics of the lesion are reported. Finally, a bibliographic revision of this pathology at the level of the oral cavity is reported., Conclusion: Dermoid cysts must be considered in the differential diagnosis of mandibula's lesions.

A wide range of diseases may present with radiographic features of osteolysis. Periapical inflammation, cysts and benign tumours, bone malignancies, all of these conditions may show bone resorption on radiograph. Features of the surrounding bone, margins of the lesion, and biological behaviour including tendency to infiltration and root resorption, may represent important criteria for distinguishing benign tumours from their malign counterpart, although the radiographic aspect of the lesion is not always predictive. Therefore a critical differential diagnosis has to be reached to choose the best management. Here, we report a case of giant cell tumour (GCT) whose radiological features by computed tomography (CT) suggested the presence of bone malignancy, whereas the evaluation of a routine OPT scan comforted us about the benign nature of the lesion. A brief review of the literature on such a benign but locally aggressive neoplasm is also provided.

Objectives: Bowenoid papulosis (BP) is characterized by multiple maculopapular lesions of the genitalia; extragenital localization is rarely found. Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 has been found in most cases of BP, but the other HPV genotypes associated with BP had been poorly characterized., Goal: We describe an extragenital BP with concomitant genital involvement in an HIV-positive woman., Study: Several HPV gene-specific amplifications and sequencing were performed on DNA extracted from biopsy samples., Results: The presence of HPV-16 DNA in anogenital and HPV-32 DNA in lip lesions was demonstrated in the absence of any other HPV type and with no coinfection. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that HPV-16 and -32 DNA sequences are in the episomal state., Conclusions: This is the first report of BP associated with HPV-32 (the causative agent of a benign hyperplasia) and a rare case of BP associated with 2 HPV types in the same patient. The immune depression could have modified the normal benign progression of the extragenital lesions.

We report on a negroid male suffering from porokeratosis of the scrotum. Porokeratosis in the genital area is rare, as is its occurrence in negroid people. In our patient, we found an asymptomatic non-HIV associated immunosuppression. In this case, the disease might be called porokeratosis of Mibelli. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients not belonging to one of the classical at-risk ethnical groups if the skin lesions seem typical.

The antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden (Myrtaceae) essential oil against yeasts (Candida spp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Debaryomyces hansenii) and dermatophytes (Microsporum spp. and Tricophyton spp.) is reported. We focused on the ability of tea tree oil to inhibit Candida albicans conversion from the yeast to the pathogenic mycelial form. Moreover we carried out broth microdilution test and contact tests to evaluate the killing time. M. alternifolia essential oil inhibited the conversion of C. albicans from yeast to the mycelial form at a concentration of 0.16% (v/v). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.12% to 0.50% (v/v) for yeasts and 0.12% to 1% (v/v) for dermatophytes; the cytocidal activity was generally expressed at the same concentration. These results, if considered along with the lipophilic nature of the oil which enables it to penetrate the skin, suggest it may be suitable for topical therapeutic use in the treatment of fungal mucosal and cutaneous infections.

We describe two sibs (a boy and a girl) suffering from linear nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn. The parents are not affected. This rare pattern of familial occurrence prompts us to suggest that these sibs represent a case of paradominant inheritance of a mosaic disorder.

The localization of a radiolabeled murine monoclonal antibody reactive with choriocarcinomas to human choriocarcinoma xenografts following intravenous and subcutaneous injection was evaluated by gamma scanning and tissue sampling. Tumor xenografts were established in the popliteal node region of athymic nude mice after repeated innoculations of the hind foot pads with BEWO choriocarcinoma cells. In dual label specific antibody studies, tumor/non tumor uptake ratios following subcutaneous (resulting in considerable intralymphatic uptake) injection of 131I-5F9.3 were significantly higher than those achieved post simultaneous intravenous injection of 125I-5F9.3. Double label experiments with 131I-5F9.3 and a nonspecific antibody, 125I-UPC-10, following subcutaneous injection, demonstrated that the high localization to popliteal region tumors was largely due to antibody specificity. Gamma scans following subcutaneous antibody administration of specific antibody to tumor bearing animals showed tumors soon after subcutaneous injection, at times earlier than those typically seen following intravenous delivery. Similar subcutaneous injections showed little normal nodal uptake in BALB/c control animals on gamma scans. No correlation was seen between tumor localization by specific antibody between the intravenous and intralymphatic routes, implying a difference in the mechanisms of tumor uptake of antibody by these two routes. The subcutaneous approach to antibody delivery offers advantages over intravenous delivery in tumors of human origin, including higher tumor/non tumor ratios and earlier imaging times. This was true even though these tumors were many times larger than normal lymph nodes. This subcutaneous delivery advantage should be exploitable in imaging nodal metastases of human tumors.

In the production of monoclonal antibodies, a rapid, sensitive, accurate assay is needed for the critical step of screening. We report the modification of an assay using viable whole cells for screening hybridoma supernatants. The modified assay uses fluorescent second antibodies for detection and has been adapted to an instrument capable of automating a number of assay steps. The modified assay is compared to a dot radioimmunoassay developed and used in our laboratory. The fluorescence assay is highly sensitive but shows more background effect, especially in samples with high protein content, such as ascites. The automated fluorescence assay is very rapid, capable of completing an assay in less than 90 min, and can be performed with minimal operator involvement. The assay was performed successfully with several different antibodies and cell types. This screening procedure should be especially useful for laboratories with large numbers of fusions to evaluate.