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Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing produces objects by adding layers of material rather than mechanically reducing material. This production technology has several advantages and has been used in various medical fields to, for instance, improve the planning of complicated operations, customize medical devices, and enhance medical education. However, few existing studies focus on the adoption and the aspects that could influence or hinder the adoption of 3D printing. Objective To describe the state of 3D printing in Sweden, explore the perceived effects of using 3D printing, and identify barriers to its adoption. Methods A qualitative study with respondents from seven life science regions (i.e., healthcare regions with university hospitals) in Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were employed, involving 19 interviews, including one group interview. The respondents were key informants in terms of 3D printing adoption. Data collection occurred between April and May 2022 and then between February and May 2023. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns and themes. Results All seven regions in Sweden used 3D printing, but none had an official adoption strategy. The most common applications were surgical planning and guides in clinical areas such as dentistry, orthopedics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Perceived effects of 3D printing included improved surgery, innovation, resource efficiency, and educational benefits. Barriers to adoption were categorized into organization, environment, and technology. Organizational barriers, such as high costs and lack of central decisions, were most prominent. Environmental barriers included a complex regulatory framework, uncertainty, and difficulty in interpreting regulations. Technological barriers were less frequent. Conclusions The study highlights the widespread use of 3D printing in Swedish healthcare, primarily in surgical planning. Perceived benefits included improved surgical precision, innovation, resource efficiency, and educational enhancements. Barriers, especially organizational and regulatory challenges, play a significant role in hindering widespread adoption. Policymakers need comprehensive guidance on 3D printing adoption, considering the expensive nature of technology investments. Future studies could explore adoption in specific clinical fields and investigate adoption in non-life science regions within and outside Sweden.

Background: The heterogeneous features of enamel renal syndrome (ERS) make diagnosis and treatment challenging. The main symptoms are disturbed amelogenesis and nephrocalcinosis. Bi-allelic likely pathogenic (LP) or pathogenic (P) variants in FAM20A have been associated with the syndrome since 2012. Affected patients often receive extensive dental treatment because of deviant orofacial morphology. However, knowledge about long-term prognosis and treatment guidelines are still lacking. The complex nature of ERS might endanger both dental and general health. The purpose of this article is to highlight the risks of overlooking the symptoms of the syndrome, and to discuss management strategies, surveillance and prognosis. Case presentation: We report the management of a case with suspected ERS after initial dental treatment elsewhere with no adjustment for the syndrome. Dental treatment was revised and followed for 8 years. Complementary medical examinations were conducted, and ERS was genetically confirmed, revealing homozygosity for a LP c.755_757del, p.(Phe252del) variant in FAM20A. The nephrological investigation revealed medullary calcium deposits, normal renal function and hypophosphatemia. Urine analysis revealed hypocitraturia and hypocalciuria. Accordingly, the patient now medicates with potassium citrate to decrease the risk of progressive renal stone formation. Conclusion: We herein describe a patient with confirmed ERS with an 8-year follow-up. Diagnostic delay until adulthood led to complicated dental treatment. The results of nephrological investigations are presented. The importance of dental and medical multidisciplinary management in syndromic disorders affecting the formation of the enamel is also exemplified. The dental prognosis after rehabilitation is likely affected by anatomical variations and patient cooperation. The prognosis for renal function seems to be good. However, lifelong surveillance of renal function is recommended. Registration: The ethics committee in Uppsala, Sweden, determined that ethical approval was not necessary in this case (2019-04835). Informed consent was obtained from the participant in writing and is documented in the medical records.

In this article, we explore the transformative impact of advanced, parameter-rich Large Language Models (LLMs) on the production of instructional materials in higher education, with a focus on the automated generation of both formative and summative assessments for learners in the field of mathematics. We introduce a novel LLM-driven process and application, called ItemForge, tailored specifically for the automatic generation of e-assessment items in mathematics. The approach is thoroughly aligned with the levels and hierarchy of cognitive learning objectives as developed by Anderson and Krathwohl, and takes specific mathematical concepts from the considered courses into consideration. The quality of the generated free-text items, along with their corresponding answers (sample solutions), as well as their appropriateness to the designated cognitive level and subject matter, were evaluated in a small-scale study. In this study, three mathematical experts reviewed a total of 240 generated items, providing a comprehensive analysis of their effectiveness and relevance. Our findings demonstrate that the tool is proficient in producing high-quality items that align with the chosen concepts and targeted cognitive levels, indicating its potential suitability for educational purposes. However, it was observed that the provided answers (sample solutions) occasionally exhibited inaccuracies or were not entirely complete, signalling a necessity for additional refinement of the tool's processes.

Summary:. The use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer-aided design and manufacturing to assist in osseous reconstruction has become the standard of care in head and neck reconstruction. The use of the free fibula flap with VSP remains the most common flap for osseous reconstruction, and as such, it is well described in the published literature. The scapular free flap (SFF) based on the angular branch has not yet garnered the same attention. The popularity of the SFF osseus head and neck reconstruction is increasing due to the flaps’ inherently different properties and indications it can fulfill; the natural curvature of the bone, the reduced incidence of atheroscelerosis in the donor vessels and the earlier postoperative mobilization of the patient. In the preoperative planning process, the SFF presents several unique challenges and considerations that differ from the free fibula flap. It is important for surgeons already using, or considering using the SFF, that VSP is used correctly to achieve optimal outcomes. The authors aim to describe and clarify aspects of VSP use in SFF reconstruction in the head and neck area with a specific focus on: (1) The perforator-like vascular anatomy of the scapula; (2) How to maximize the shape of the scapula to minimize osteotomies; (3) Fine-tuning of scapula osteotomies on side table; (4) How to plan cutting guide placement and fit on the scapula. The authors hope that this article will help reconstructive microsurgeons plan and perform the SFF in conjunction with VSP.

Study design: Case report. Objective: To present two cases of young children with Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome and their oral and maxillofacial manifestations. Methods: The different oral and maxillofacial manifestations were clinically examined in detail. The patients were treated with surgical excisions of their gingival hyperplasias and soft tissue tumors of the head. Results: Relief of pain from ears, scalp and intraoral was obtained, resulting in a normal eating and nutritional habits despite absence of teeth. Improved esthetics. Conclusion: This paper underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic interventions in managing Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome. This report contributes to the growing body of knowledge regarding this rare disorder and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in achieving favorable outcomes for patients afflicted with HFS.

Background:. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) manifested as symptomatic nonunion between primary free flap and native mandible after primary bony reconstruction of the mandible is an entity not included in current conventional ORN staging guidelines. This article reports on and proposes early management of this debilitating condition using a chimeric scapular tip free flap (STFF). Methods:. A retrospective review was performed examining cases with bony nonunion at the junction of primary free fibula flap (FFF) and native mandible at a single center over a 10-year duration, which required a second free bone flap. Details of each case (patient demographics, oncological details, primary surgery, presentation, and secondary surgery) were documented and analyzed. Outcomes of the treatment were assessed. Results:. Four patients (two men and two women; age range, 42–73 years) out of a total of 46 primary FFF were identified. All patients presented with symptoms of low-grade ORN and radiological signs of nonunion. All cases were reconstructed with chimeric STFF. The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 20 months. All patients reported resolution of symptoms and radiological evidence of union. Two of four patients subsequently received osseointegrated dental implants. Conclusions:. Institutional rate of nonunion after primary FFF requiring a second free bone flap is 8.7%. All the patients of this cohort presented with a similar clinical entity easily discounted as an infected nonunion postosseous flap reconstruction. There is no ORN grading system that currently guides the management of this cohort. Good outcomes are possible with early surgical intervention with a chimeric STFF.

Abstract Objectives Abnormalities in the maxillary frenum may lead to esthetic or functional limitations and need to be corrected with a surgical intervention called frenectomy. The aim of the study was to compare frenectomies performed using Er:YAG laser technology with those using a conventional scalpel technique. Comparisons were of patients' experiences, treatment times, bleeding during treatment and wound healing. Material and methods The trial was performed as a prospective, randomized and controlled, single‐blind investigation. A total of 40 patients requiring frenectomy were randomly assigned to groups which underwent either conventional or Er:YAG laser treatment. Patients' experiences, treatment time, bleeding and wound healing were evaluated immediately after surgery and 5 days, 12 days and 3 months after surgery. Results Significant increase in time spent in surgery and bleeding was seen with conventional scalpel surgery. Directly after surgery the wound area was significantly larger in the laser group but at the 5‐day evaluation no difference could be observed between the groups. Finally, patients were satisfied with both methods, giving them the same assessments. Conclusion In the frenectomy procedure, laser surgery is faster and causes less bleeding and may be advantageous in frenectomies.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs. IgG4-RD may show a variety of initial symptoms. In the oral mucosa, lesions present as inflammatory fibrosis with a large number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Evaluating treatment is a well-known problem in IgG4-RD due to the absence of an established assessment system. There are difficulties in defining the severity of the disease, which is why treatment is primarily based on its clinical manifestations.We present a case report of localized IgG4-RD with ulcerative and proliferative manifestations on the tongue, which clinically mimicked oral squamous cell carcinoma. A tumor-like lesion on the tongue can indicate something else other than the malignant or reactive changes commonly found in the oral mucosa. Multiple differential diagnoses of these atypical oral lesions, including localized IgG4-RD, should be considered.

In animal studies on bone healing, the effect of housing space and physical activity are seldom taken into account. Bone formation was evaluated in New Zealand White rabbits (mean ± SEM BW: 3.9 ± 0.11 kg) with a critical bone defect after 12 weeks of rehabilitation in pair-housing in 3 m2 large floor pens (Floor, n = 10) or standard single housing in 0.43 m2 cages (Cage, n = 10). In the randomised full-factorial study, a bone replica of calcium phosphate cement (CPC, n = 10) or autologous bone (AB, n = 10) was implanted in the unilateral 20 mm radius defect. Post-mortem, the oxidative capacity was measured by citrate synthase (CS) activity in M. quadriceps and the defect filling volume and density evaluated by microcomputer tomography (μ-CT). Histology sections were evaluated by subjective scoring and histomorphometry. Fourteen rabbits remained until the end of the study. Group Floor (n = 7; 3 CPC + 4 AB) had a higher CS activity and a larger bone defect filling volume and lower density by μ-CT measurements than group Cage (n = 7; 3 CPC + 4 AB). Three out of four rabbits in AB-Floor presented fusion of the defect with reorganisation of trabecular bone, whereas three of four in AB-Cage showed areas of incomplete healing. Floor rabbits had a higher score of bony fusion between the radius and ulna than Cage rabbits. There were no differences between groups in histomorphometry. The study found that a larger housing space increased physical activity and promoted bone formation.

Abstract Background To evaluate oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) in edentulous patients treated with immediately loaded implants in the maxilla. Methods Fifty-one edentulous patients in two centers received six maxillary implants each were loaded within 24 h with provisional restoration. Definitive restoration was delivered 20–24 weeks later. OHQoL was evaluated preoperatively with the Oral Health Impact Profile 49 questionnaire (OHIP-49) and on five subsequent occasions. OHIP-49 includes seven domains representing functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap. A reduction in OHIP scores indicated an improved OHQoL. Results Forty-five patients reached the three-year follow up. OHQoL improved after treatment. A plateau of OHQoL improvement was observed at 12 months after surgery. The seven domains improved at different pace, 12 weeks to 12 months after treatment. OHIP showed continuously low scores with no significant changes at consecutive visits 12 months to three years after treatment. Dental status with removable prosthesis in the mandible had a negative impact on OHQoL prior to and during treatment, but did not affect OHQoL after permanent restoration was placed. Patients age or gender did not affect OHQoL. Conclusions Patients with edentulous maxilla who received prosthetic rehabilitation on immediately loaded implants experienced the highest improved OHQoL 12 months after implant installation. Quality of life related to oral health continued to be high after three years. Edentulous patients with atrophy of the maxilla experience an improved OHQoL after implant treatment with immediate loading protocol. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00711022 .

Congenital granular cell epulis (CGCE) is an uncommon benign lesion found in newborns. It has predominance for females with an 8:1 ratio in relation to males and is exclusively encountered in the oral cavity. The most affected oral site is located around the canine/incisor region of the maxillary alveolar ridge, where the lesion arises from the soft tissue as a solitary pedunculated mass. CGCE's histogenesis remains obscure and controversial. We present a rare case of 2 separate CGCE lesions adjacent to each other measuring 23 × 18 × 10 and 15 × 10 mm, positioned facially on the right maxillary alveolar process. The patient, a 2-day-old female newborn, did not experience any serious difficulty regarding breathing or deglutition. Complete surgical excision was the treatment of choice in this case, and the procedure was performed under both general and local anesthesia. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of CGCE. The patient showed satisfactory postoperative healing and excellent health at both the 10-day recall appointment and the 6-month follow-up.

A minimum subantral bone height in the posterior maxilla may require a bone augmentation where a sinus lift procedure is the most commonly used technique, either preceding or simultaneously with the implant installation. While elevating the Schneiderian membrane ruptures are common, possibly resulting in less bone formation. In this paper, we propose the surgical pneumatization of the Schneiderian membrane as a new technique to minimize the risk of such complications. This can be achieved mainly by creating a hole for the immediate and increased passage of air through the Schneiderian membrane and the maxillary sinus wall above the region of augmentation.

A regenerative procedure treating a local osseous defect around titanium dental implant using porous titanium granules is described in four patients. Porous titanium granules represent, for maxillofacial surgery, a new alternative in augmenting osseous defects. Its earliest application was in the field of orthopedics for stabilization of tibia plateau fractures and for reoperations in prosthetic fixation of femoral stems. There is emerging scientific evidence regarding titanium for its potential use in the maxillofacial area and porous titanium granules are now commercially available. The scientific background for the osteoconductive use of porous titanium granules is elucidated in this paper and the supporting literature is reviewed.

Background. Long-term edentulism may in many cases result in resorption of the alveolar process. The sinus lift procedure aims to create increased bone volume in the maxillary sinus in order to enable installation of dental implants in the region. The method is over 30 years old, and initially autogenous bone grafts were used and later also different bone substitutes. Since 1997, a limited number of studies have explored the possibility of a graftless procedure where the void under the sinus membrane is filled with a blood clot that enables bone formation. Aim. To describe the evolution of the sinus-lift technique and to review the literature related to the technique with a focus on long-term studies related to the graft-less technique. Methods. The electronic database PubMed was searched, and a systematic review was conducted regarding relevant articles. Results. A relatively few long-term studies using the described technique were found. However, the technique was described as reliable considering the outcome of the existing studies. Conclusion. All investigated studies show high implant survival rates for the graftless technique. The technique is considered to be cost-effective, less time-consuming, and related to lower morbidity since no bone harvesting is needed.