Search

Motile cells inside living tissues often encounter junctions, where their path branches into several alternative directions of migration. We present a theoretical model of cellular polarization for cells migrating along one-dimensional lines, arriving at a symmetric Y-junction and extending protrusions along the different paths that emanate from the junction. The model predicts the spontaneous emergence of deterministic oscillations between competing protrusions, whereby the cellular polarization and growth alternates between the competing protrusions. The oscillations are modified by cellular noise, but remain as a dominant feature which affects the time it takes the cell to migrate across the junction. These predicted oscillations in the cellular polarization during the directional decision making process at the junction are found experimentally for two different cell types, noncancerous endothelial and cancerous glioma cells, migrating on patterned network of thin adhesive lanes with junctions.

Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of cervical sentinel lymph node biopsy after mapping with indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) for imaging early-stage oral cancer. Patients and methods A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was performed during a selective neck dissection (SND) in 20 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, cT1 or cT2, N0 status). The sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) were identified using an infrared video camera after ICG injection. Lymph nodes were examined histologically. The endpoint of this study was to investigate the rate of false-negative results in SLNB. Results Sentinel lymph nodes could be detected after 8.1 min (range 1–22 min). In eight out of 20 cases, lymph node metastases were found during histopathological evaluation of the neck dissection specimen. In four cases a metastasis could be found in the detected SLN (sensitivity 50%). In the other four cases metastases were found in different lymph nodes. Specificity was 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 75%. Conclusion In this study, reliability of sentinel lymph node biopsy after ICG imaging could not be verified, as there were false-negative results in 50% of the cases. Therefore, SND can still be recommended as for patients with cT1 or cT2 OSCC, and a N0 neck status.

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), damages poultry barns, vectors poultry diseases, inhibits poultry weight gain, and consumes poultry feed. Management of the pest is a challenge because of its resistance to several insecticides, difficulty in treating infestations that can be concealed in locations within barns, and the high populations that occur around spilled poultry feed. However, few A. diaperinus were observed in Miscanthus × giganteus straw in a case where it was used as an alternative bedding material in open-floor poultry production in Ontario. To investigate this, we tested the effects of Miscanthus × giganteus and wheat straw on A. diaperinus behavior, survival, and growth in laboratory experiments. In these experiments, adult beetles preferred to inhabit wheat straw, whereas late-instar larvae preferred Miscanthus × giganteus . As a result, more adult beetles emerged from pupae in Miscanthus × giganteus than in wheat, but there was no difference in emerged beetle weight. Early-instar larvae survived and increased in weight at similar rates in both straw types. Thus, while adult A. diaperinus strongly preferred wheat straw given a choice, late-instar preference and pupae emergence suggest that Miscanthus × giganteus may not be useful for suppressing A. diaperinus populations.

Background: A longitudinal study design was conducted to assess the mandibular cortical shape index (CI) in panoramic radiographs retrospectively. An association between age and a deterioration of different radiological parameters on panoramic radiographs was stated in cross‑sectional studies. As longitudinal studies are rare, this one is designed to assess radiological changes over time. Materials and Methods: In this longitudinal study, The archive of the dentomaxillofacial radiology department was searched for panoramic radiographs of patients who have two radiographs with a time lapse of at least 15 years between both. The radiographs were then examined and the CI was categorized into three categories: normal, mild, and severely eroded. The following factors were examined to determine if they had an effect on possible changes of the CI using the Chi‑square test: The time period between both radiographs, the gender and the age of the subjects when both radiographs were made also compared using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Results: Ninety radiographs met the inclusion criteria. The mean age, when the 1st radiograph and the 2nd radiograph were made, was 48.7 and 66.9 years, respectively. A deterioration of the CI over time was observed and only 31.1% of the radiographs remained in the same CI category while 57.8% dropped down by one category and 11.1% dropped down by two. The change of CI was significant (P < 0.001 using the McNemar’s test). Conclusion: In this longitudinally designed study, a deterioration of the CI over time when assessing the nonstandardized panoramic radiographs could be confirmed. This study shows that 68.9% of the patients had CI deterioration of at least one category over the average time of 17.96 years. This is the first study to quantify the CI deterioration over time to our knowledge. Key Words: Bone density, facial bones, mandible, osteoporosis, panoramic radiography

BACKGROUND Rigid image coregistration is an established technique that allows spatial aligning. However, rigid fusion is prone to deformation of the imaged anatomies. In this work, a novel fully automated elastic image registration method is evaluated. METHODS Cervical CT and MRI data of 10 patients were evaluated. The MRI was acquired with the patient in neutral, flexed, and rotated head position. Vertebrawise rigid fusions were performed to transfer bony landmarks for each vertebra from the CT to the MRI space serving as a reference. RESULTS Elastic fusion of 3D MRI data showed the highest image registration accuracy (target registration error of 3.26 mm with 95% confidence). Further, an elastic fusion of 2D axial MRI data (

BACKGROUND It has been reported that systemic administration of allopurinol improves cell survival. This study was aimed to evaluate effects of allopurinol on skin flaps in dogs. METHODS Twenty dogs underwent one skin flap surgery with a 2-week interval. The first procedure was performed according to the standard protocols. The second phase was started by a 1-week pretreatment with allopurinol. Length of the necrotic zone was measured and recorded daily. At each phase, flaps were removed and sent for histopathological study after 1 week observation. RESULTS Mean length of the necrotic zone in allopurinol treated skin flaps has been significantly less than normal flaps over all 7 days of observation (p

Purpose Microvascular free tissue transfer allows major ablative defects following oncologic surgical and traumatic reasons to be reliably reconstructed in the head and neck region. A retrospective analysis of the microvascular flap procedures which were performed within one year in a high volume training centre was performed. Patients and methods The microvascular free flap procedures of the year 2011 were reviewed and followed up until the 31st December 2012. The type and indication of the reconstructive procedure, operation time, operating team, experience and level of training of the surgeons involved, postoperative IMC (intermediate care unit) and/or ICU (intensive care unit) time, inpatient time, flap revisions, further postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative radiation of the patients, the placement of dental implants were studied. Results From 1st of January 2011 to 31st of December, 2011, the data of 101 patients with 103 microvascular free flap procedures were analysed of which 72% (84 flaps) were harvested by residents. The patients ranged in age from 14 to 89 years (mean age 59 years, 71 males and 40 females). The mean operation time was 591 min with the longest operation times for scapular flaps (744 min) and the shortest operation times for ALT flaps (455 min). Mean inpatient time was 34.2 days with a minimal time for the fibular flaps of 27.2 days and a maximum of 45.7 days for the latissimus dorsi flaps. 24 flaps (23.3%) in total had to be revised with bleeding being the main cause of immediate revisions (41.7% of all revisions). 5 flaps (4.85% of all flaps) were lost despite a revision procedure meaning a successful revision rate in 79.2% of all revisions. Conclusion Microvascular reconstruction procedures are safe and should be considered as standard procedures for reconstruction of large defects especially in high volume training centres. Intensive flap monitoring and early revisions maximize the flap outcome.

Introduction. Face transplantation (FT) is an innovative achievement of modern reconstructive surgery and is on the verge of becoming a common surgical opportunity. This review article was compiled to provide an update on this surgical field, especially regarding clinical outcomes, benefits, and complications implied.Methods. We performed an extensive research on all English-language Medline articles, case reports, and reviews published online until September 15, 2013. Used search terms were “face transplantation,” “face transplant,” “facial transplantation,” “facial transplant,” “face allograft,” and “facial allograft.”Results. To date 27 FTs have been performed worldwide. 19 of these cases have been published in the Medline database. Long-term follow-up reports of FT cases are rare. Three deaths associated with the procedure have occurred to date. The clinical outcomes of FT are satisfying. Reinnervation of sensation has been faster than motor recovery. Extensive functional improvements have been observed. Due to strict immunosuppression protocols, no case of hyperacute or chronic rejection and no graft-versus-host disease have occurred to date.Conclusions. As studies on long-term outcomes are missing, particularly regarding immunosuppression-related complications, FT will stay experimental for the next years. Nevertheless, for a small group of patients, FT already is a feasible reconstructive option.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the possible effect of immediate bony microvascular free flap reconstruction of mandibular defects after radical tumor resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) on the rate of local relapse. Our own data regarding recurrence rates for 1-step immediate reconstruction were compared to the published recurrence rates of 2-step reconstructions. A total of 21 patients (aged 45–77 years) with OSCC who underwent a primary surgical therapy with subsequent immediate bony microvascular free flap reconstruction of mandibular defects were followed up for 18–38 months. Four local relapses (19%) were recorded, all in patients with initial tumor stage of T4. Although intraoperative histological findings were R0 in all 21 cases, definitive histology later detected R1 status in the resected bone in 2 cases (10%). Immediate bony free flap reconstruction of mandibular defects after radical surgical resection of OSCC does not seem to increase the risk of local recurrence nor affect patient survival when compared with the 2-step surgical approach.

Purpose The purpose of this review was to evaluate the outcome measurements of anterior expansion, posterior expansion, and complications after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) with or without pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD). Materials and Methods A computerized database search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Then, a computerized search was conducted in Google Scholar and ProQuest to overcome publication bias. Results From the original 125 combined results, 3 met the inclusion criteria. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies of the Effective Public Health Practice Project assessed 2 articles as weak and 1 as moderate. The systematic review included a total of 48 patients (11 male and 37 female). For 25 patients, SARPE was performed with PMD and for 23 patients SARPE was performed without PMD. A tooth-borne fixed hyrax-type palatal expansion screw appliance was used for all cases, activated 1 to 2 mm intraoperatively, and, after a latency period of 3 to 7 days, activated 0.5 to 0.6 mm per day for 38 patients and 0.25 mm for the other 10 until adequate expansion. Postexpansion retention was performed using ligature wired hyrax in 18 patients for 4 months. Comparisons were based on cone-beam computed tomographic projections, study models only, or a combination of study models, anteroposterior cephalometric radiographs, and occlusal radiographs. The time to measure the changes ranged from before fixed orthodontic retention to 6 months after the completion of active expansion. A meta-analysis was possible only for anterior (intercanine) and posterior (inter-molar) dental expansions. Conclusion The literature is inconclusive regarding the effect of PMD on the outcomes of SARPE. Further controlled trials are needed.

The purpose of the present study was to find inexpensive and non-toxic additives enhancing and accelerating the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, which can be used for tissue engineering of bone material.Osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells was carried-out using classic differentiation medium containing or lacking purmorphamine, statins or oxysterols, respectively. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium sedimentation and expression of bone matrix protein genes were measured to monitor differentiation.Purmorphamine substantially suppressed proliferation, enhanced and accelerated alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium sedimentation and increased the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in rat mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. A similar osteogenesis-promoting effect was observed for oxysterols but not for the two statins.Purmorphamine and oxysterols promote and accelerate osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro suggesting their potential application for tissue engineering of bone material.

The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of postoperative bleeding complications after oral procedures performed under continued mono or dual anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban (and aspirin). This retrospective single-center observational study included 52 oral procedures performed under continued oral anticoagulant therapy with rivaroxaban (20 mg/day). Among them, two procedures were performed under continued dual therapy with aspirin (100 mg/day) added to the regimen. Postoperative bleeding events were compared with 285 oral procedures in patients without any anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy. Postoperative bleeding complications after oral surgery occurred significantly more often in patients under continued rivaroxaban therapy (11.5 %) than in the control cases without anticoagulation/antiplatelet medication (0.7 %). All of the bleeding events were manageable: Two of them were treated with local compression, three by applying new fibrin glue with (one case) or without (two cases) secondary sutures, one occurred during a weekend and was therefore treated under inpatient conditions with suture replacement. All postoperative bleeding episodes occurred during the first postoperative week. According to our data, continued anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban significantly increases postoperative bleeding risk for oral surgical procedures, although the bleeding events were manageable. Oral surgeons, cardiologists, general physicians, and patients should be aware of the increased bleeding risk after oral surgical procedures. Close observation up to 1 week postoperatively is advisable to prevent excessive bleeding.

Object.To determine the incidence of postoperative bleeding for oral osteotomy carried out under continued monoantiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and dual therapy with clopidogrel/aspirin.Design.Retrospective single center observatory study of two study groups and a control group.Methods.A total of 64 and 60 oral osteotomy procedures carried out under continued monoclopidogrel therapy and dual clopidogrel/aspirin therapy, respectively, were followed for two weeks for postoperative bleeding. Another 281 similar procedures were also followed as a control group. All oral osteotomy procedures were carried out on an outpatient basis.Results.We observed postoperative bleeding in 2/281 (0.7%) cases in the control group, in 1/64 (1.6%) cases in the clopidogrel group, and in 2/60 (3.3%) cases in the dual clopidogrel/aspirin group. The corresponding 95% confidence intervals are 0–1.7%, 0–4.7%, and 0–7.8%, respectively, and the incidences did not differ significantly among the three groups (P>0.09). Postoperative hemorrhage was treated successfully in all cases with local measures. No changes of antiplatelet medication, transfusion, nor hospitalisation were necessary. No major cardiovascular events were recorded.Conclusions.Our results indicate that minor oral surgery can be performed safely under continued monoantiplatelet medication with clopidogrel or dual antiplatelet medication with clopidogrel/aspirin.

A novel technique to reduce donor site morbidity after radial forearm free flap (RFFF) harvest, using a local full-thickness skin graft (FTSG), is described. Thirty consecutive patients undergoing RFFF for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled in a prospective study. Donor site defect closure was performed with spindle-shaped FTSGs excised from the wavelike skin incision made for the vascular pedicle. Both the removal site of the FTSG on the volar forearm and the covered RFFF donor site healed uneventfully in 29 cases, with no impairment of function related to the skin graft. No skin graft failure and no exposure, tenting, or adherence of the flexor tendons occurred. All patients expressed satisfaction with postoperative pain, the functional outcome, and cosmetic appearance. Primary donor site defect closure could be achieved in all cases with the use of a local FTSG. This graft can be gained at the access incision for the vascular pedicle, avoids expansion of the incision for a local flap technique, and does not prolong wound healing, and thus reduces both donor site and graft site morbidity of the RFFF. This technique leads to an inconspicuous aesthetic result with no apparent relevant functional deficits and avoids the need for a second donor site.

The present study aimed to find bone substitutes to enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in three-dimensional scaffolds in the absence of dexamethasone.Seven commercial bone substitutes were added to a three-dimensional fibrin-matrix containing rat mesenchymal stem cells in a biocompatible poly-L-lactic-acid mesh. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase activity were followed for three weeks. Expression of bone markers was examined by qualitative evaluation of corresponding transcripts.Six out of the seven bone derivatives exhibited an osteogenic-enhancing effect.The osteogenic-enhancing effect of the evaluated bone substitutes suggests their potential clinical application for preparation of autologous bone replacement material in three-dimensional carriers.

The reconstruction of large facial bony defects using microvascular transplants requires extensive surgery to achieve full rehabilitation of form and function. The purpose of this study is to measure the agreement between virtual plans and the actual results of maxillofacial reconstruction. This retrospective cohort study included 30 subjects receiving maxillofacial reconstruction with a preoperative virtual planning. Parameters including defect size, position, angle and volume of the transplanted segments were compared between the virtual plan and the real outcome using paired t test. A total of 63 bone segments were transplanted. The mean differences between the virtual planning and the postoperative situation were for the defect sizes 1.17 mm (95 % confidence interval (CI) (−.21 to 2.56 mm); p = 0.094), for the resection planes 1.69 mm (95 % CI (1.26–2.11); p = 0.033) and 10.16° (95 % CI (8.36°–11.96°); p

Einleitung: Die Rekonstruktion von ausgedehnten knöchernen Defekten im Kopf- Halsbereich mittels mikrovaskulärer Transplantate ist aufwendig und langwierig um eine optimale dreidimensionale Situation wiederherzustellen. In den letzten Jahren wurde zur Unterstützung des Chirurgen die virtuelle[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 131. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie

Introduction. Face transplantation (FT) is an innovative achievement of modern reconstructive surgery and is on the verge of becoming a common surgical opportunity. This review article was compiled to provide an update on this surgical field, especially regarding clinical outcomes, benefits, and complications implied. Methods. We performed an extensive research on all English-language Medline articles, case reports, and reviews published online until September 15, 2013. Used search terms were “face transplantation,” “face transplant,” “facial transplantation,” “facial transplant,” “face allograft,” and “facial allograft.” Results. To date 27 FTs have been performed worldwide. 19 of these cases have been published in the Medline database. Long-term follow-up reports of FT cases are rare. Three deaths associated with the procedure have occurred to date. The clinical outcomes of FT are satisfying. Reinnervation of sensation has been faster than motor recovery. Extensive functional improvements have been observed. Due to strict immunosuppression protocols, no case of hyperacute or chronic rejection and no graft-versus-host disease have occurred to date. Conclusions. As studies on long-term outcomes are missing, particularly regarding immunosuppression-related complications, FT will stay experimental for the next years. Nevertheless, for a small group of patients, FT already is a feasible reconstructive option.

Purpose: The reconstruction of large facial bony defects using microvascular transplants requires extensive surgery to achieve full rehabilitation of form and function. This retrospective study evaluates the virtual planning tool ProPlan CMF®in 30 consecutive cases to enhance precision and efficiency[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 51. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (DGPW)

In a total of 171 surgical procedures for lesions in the head and neck region in patients in whom phenprocoumon therapy was not stopped, 16 (9%) postoperative bleeding events were observed over a follow-up period of two weeks. Local measures were sufficient in all cases except one severe case where blood transfusion was needed and anticoagulant treatment was stopped for 7 days. The bleeding risk was significantly higher for the surgical procedures of the nose than those in other areas (21% versus 6%, P = 0.014), but was not influenced by the international normalized ratio (INR) of blood coagulation, size, site and type of the lesion, surgical procedure, and sex and age of the patients. The bleeding rate in patients not on any anticoagulation therapy was significantly lower (6/211 = 3%). Across both groups, just over 80% of the bleeding episodes were within the first two days (55% on the same day and 32% on the next day) of the surgery. No bleeding was recorded after 5 days. Our data suggest that cutaneous surgery in the head and neck region can be safely performed with continued phenprocoumon therapy in most cases in an INR range of 1.3–3.4, but rarely severe bleeding does occur and can be managed with a close-contact follow-up and with 24-h on call services during the first two days postoperatively.

Einleitung und Fragestellung: Nach vier bis sechs Stunden globaler Ischämie treten irreversible Schäden an den Strukturen Muskulatur, Subkutis, Dermis und Epidermis in unterschiedlicher Ausprägung auf. In der vorliegenden Studie soll lichtmikroskopisch untersucht werden, welche Strukturen[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 51. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (DGPW)

Einleitung: Mikrochirurgische Anastomosen sind technisch aufwändige Verfahren. Eine Verkürzung der Operationszeiten durch ein schnelleres, sicheres, aber qualitativ gleichwertiges Anastomosierungsverfahren wäre mit Vorteilen verbunden. N-Fibroin (Seide) ist biokompatibel, wird proteolytisch[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 50. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (DGPW)

Einleitung: Eine gerinnungsinhibierende Therapie mit ASS und Clopidogrel ist für Patienten, die beispielweise einen Myokardinfarkt erlitten haben oder an einer koronaren Herzkrankheit leiden, von essentieller Bedeutung. Die Frage, diese Therapie für eine operative Therapie von Hautläsionen[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 50. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (DGPW)

Analyzing chromosomal amplifications delivers valuable information for identification of oncogenes. For carcinomas of the oral cavity only few genes have been identified in amplified regions. The aim of this study was to search genes in amplified regions as possible biomarkers and targets for novel therapies.DNA from 10 carcinomas of the floor of the oral cavity was examined using a 500K Array GeneChip (Affymetrix 6.0) to detect chromosomal losses, gains or amplifications. Suspicious alterations were validated on tissue microarrays using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with respective probes.FISH-validation on tissue arrays confirmed PPFIA1 amplifications as one of the most frequent events (32.6%). High (10-20 signals) and low (10 signals) amplification of PPFIA1 was found in 10.9% (5/46) and 21.7% (10/46) tumours, respectively. Fine mapping with overlapping FISH probes showed co-amplification of PPFIA1 and the Cyclin D1 gene which are approximately 600 kb apart from each other, likely in the same amplicon.PPFIA1 was frequently co-amplified with the Cyclin D1 gene in oral carcinomas and could present a biomarker as well as a novel target for specific gene therapy. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of PPFIA1 in development and pathogenesis of oral carcinomas.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) arise from remnants of epithelial structures associated with the development of teeth and occur predominantly intraosseously. In rare occasions they can appear extraosseously in the gingiva as peripheral counterparts; only 15 cases have been reported to date. Evenmore rare are cases of KCOTs of the buccal soft tissues. The aim of this report is to present a rare case of KCOT affecting the buccal soft tissue as an original site and a review of the literature regarding diagnostic and therapeutic options.

The present study aims to investigate the relevance of immunohistochemical p53 expression in carcinomas of the oral cavity and of the head and neck region. Long-term clinical and histopathological follow-up findings as well as HPV status are correlated with the results of this examination.Sections made from two tissue arrays composed of 222 oral squamous cell carcinomas and 427 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region, respectively, were examined for p53 expression and Ki-67 index by means of immunohistochemistry. Correlation of long-term clinical findings of the patients and pathological features of tumours with laboratory results were examined statistically.No significant correlation was found between the p53 immunohistochemical expression in the 207 oral carcinomas and features of the tumours and patient outcomes. There was no significant association between the Ki-67 labelling index and the p53 expression.Our failure in detecting any association of the p53 immunohistochemical expression regardless of HPV status with clinical features of these tumours suggests it lacks a prognostic value for squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity.The prognostic value of p53 immunostaining in oral squamous carcinoma is not clarified yet. In the present study, there is no impact on any prognostical item nor even a correlation with cell proliferation (Ki-67) regardless of HPV status.

Neurofibromatosis (NF1) is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome. A plethora of tumours are described in the literature associated with NF1. These tumours usually develop earlier in life. Some tumours show a close association with NF1, e.g. malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour and optic nerve glioma, others are only rarely diagnosed in the context of this disease. This report focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the sole of the foot arising in a 67-year-old male patient with NF1. The lesion was initially misdiagnosed as an abscess. Wide excision of the highly differentiated SCC was followed by conditioning of the deep wound by a vacuum dressing. After achievement of bulky granulation tissue covering the defect at the level of the adjacent skin, a full-thickness skin graft was obtained from the abdominal skin and fixed on the defect. Healing of the defect was almost achieved by primary intention; two small lesions healed within weeks. The patient was repeatedly investigated. Five years after primary surgery, the patient had developed a corn on the medial side of the former defect. This lesion was completely excised and the defect was closed by primary intention after creating a small rotation flap. The lesion proved to be inflamed skin of the sole of the foot with no dedifferentiation of the epithelia. NF1 is a complex hereditary disease that displays an abundance of signs and symptoms. SCC may affect individuals with NF1. However, SCC account only for a small number of malignancies in NF1 compared to malignancies arising in connective tissue and brain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on an SCC of the sole diagnosed in NF1. Vacuum dressing as an adjunct to surgery allowed reduced reconstructive measures.

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to determine the validity of the mandibular cortical shape index (CI) on panoramic radiographs in distinguishing patients with osteoporosis as defined by the German Osteology Organization (Dachverbands der Deutschsprachigen Osteologischen Fachgesellschaften, DVO). The study group contained 50 patients (33 female, 17 male, mean age: 74.9 years), who had a high risk of osteoporosis. 50 young patients (33 female, 17 male, mean age: 37.9 years) with no anamnestic evidence of osteoporosis served as control. Three blinded observers evaluated panoramic views of the study and the control group in a mixed manner regarding the mandibular cortical shape index. The study group underwent bone mineral density measurement using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and received a diagnosis according to the Organization's guidelines (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis). The CI showed a high sensitivity of 72.2% and a high specificity of 93.9% with a highly significant predictive value (Chi-square = 22.96, p 0.001), while the observer's agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.47). We concluded that patients with a cortical shape index of the category assessed as "severe" on non-standardised panoramic radiographs have a higher risk of suffering systemic osteoporosis. The CI in panoramic radiographs is a good screening tool, which could be implemented in the routine assessment of panoramic radiographs in elder patients.

Einleitung: Die Rekonstruktion des Unterkiefers mit mikrovaskulären Fibulatransplantaten nach Resektion neoplastischer Raumforderungen erfordert einen umfangreichen Eingriff zur möglichst weitgehenden Wiederherstellung von Funktion und Ästhetik. Um diese hohen Anforderungen zu erfüllen[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 49. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie (DGPW)

This paper presents a Transfer Module for an English-to-Arabic Machine Translation System (MTS) using an English-to-Arabic Bilingual Corpus. We propose an approach to build a transfer module by building a new transfer-based system for machine translation using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The idea is to allow the ANN-based transfer module to automatically learn correspondences between source and target language structures using a large set of English sentences and their Arabic translations. The paper presents the methodology for corpus building. It then introduces the approach that has been followed to develop the transfer module. It finally presents the experimental results which are very encouraging.