Midfacial morphology of Koreans with class III malocclusions investigated with finite-element scaling analysis

The spheno-ethmoidal model of midfacial retrognathia suggests that deficient chondrocytic proliferation in the anterior cranial base is associated with inadequate anterior translation of the midfacial complex resulting, for example, in Class III malocclusions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the morphology of the midface differed in subjects of diverse ethnic origin exhibiting features associated with Class III malocclusions. Lateral cephalographs of 142 children of Korean or European American descent aged between 5 and 11 years were compared. The cephalographs were traced and subdivided into seven age- and sex-matched groups. Average geometries, scaled to an equivalent size, were generated using Procrustes superimposition and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Graphical analysis using a color-coded finite-element scaling analysis (FESA) program was used to localize differences in morphology. Results indicated that the mean Korean and European American midfacial configurations differed statistically (P < 0.01), and this difference was maintained at most, but not all, age-wise comparisons. Comparing Korean and European American Class III midfacial configurations for local size-change, FESA analysis revealed that while local increases in size were apparent in the posterior palatal regions, the Korean anterior nasal spine regions were generally smaller. For shape-change, the Korean and European American midfacial configurations were predominantly isotropic. Therefore, heterogeneity in appearance may be influenced by morphological variation of the midfacial complex in subjects of diverse ethnic origin, but features of the anterior cranial base may contribute also to the prevalence and severity of Class III malocclusions in Koreans. Moreover, perturbations in endochondral mechanisms of cranio-mandibular growth, and not maxillary intramembranous methods, may be implicated in the etiology of Class III malocclusions in South East Asians.     

Facial soft tissue thickness in individuals with different occlusion patterns in adult Turkish subjects

Knowledge of variation in facial soft tissue thickness is important for forensic anthropologists, dentists, and plastic surgeons. Forensic anthropologists use such information as a guide in facial reconstruction and superimposition methods. The purpose of this study was to measure facial tissue thicknesses of adult males and females of Turkish origin across different types of occlusion, and to compare the results with each other and with values obtained for other populations. The study was conducted on 200 healthy individuals. The analysis of facial tissue thickness included 20 landmarks (10 dentoskeletal and 10 soft tissue) and 10 linear variables. Sex-based variation in facial tissue thickness was noted. The highest soft tissue thickness values were observed in the group with Class III occlusion type at Sn-A point for both the females (16.9, SD = 2.4) and the males (17.8, SD = 3.3). In the Class I group, the highest tissue depth was observed at Sn-A point (15.3, SD = 2.1) in females, and at Li-Id point (17.1, SD = 1.9) in males. In the Class II group, contrary to the findings for Class I, the highest soft tissue depth was at Li-Id point (16.0, SD = 1.4) in females, and at Sn-A point (18.1, SD = 2.6) in males. In conclusion, facial tissue thickness varied in adults depending on the sex and on the type of occlusion.     

Finite deformation of soft tissue: analysis of a mixture model in uni-axial compression

The dynamic finite deformational behavior of a biphasic model for soft hydrated tissue is examined. In the case of uni-axial confined compression the displacement and stress fields are derived for steady-state permeation, creep, and stress-relaxation. It is shown how to use the results of this analysis to obtain the constitutive relations, as well as the associated material parameters, from the corresponding experiments. It is also shown that the solutions from the theory go much farther, giving a detailed account of the deformation and interaction of the fluid and solid phases in the tissue.     

Real-time subject-specific monitoring of internal deformations and stresses in the soft tissues of the foot: a new approach in gait analysis

No technology is presently available to provide real-time information on internal deformations and stresses in plantar soft tissues of individuals during evaluation of the gait pattern. Because internal deformations and stresses in the plantar pad are critical factors in foot injuries such as diabetic foot ulceration, this severely limits evaluation of patients. To allow such real-time subject-specific analysis, we developed a hierarchal modeling system which integrates a two-dimensional gross structural model of the foot (high-order model) with local finite element (FE) models of the plantar tissue padding the calcaneus and medial metatarsal heads (low-order models). The high-order whole-foot model provides real-time analytical evaluations of the time-dependent plantar fascia tensile forces during the stance phase. These force evaluations are transferred, together with foot-shoe local reaction forces, also measured in real time (under the calcaneus, medial metatarsals and hallux), to the low-order FE models of the plantar pad, where they serve as boundary conditions for analyses of local deformations and stresses in the plantar pad. After careful verification of our custom-made FE solver and of our foot model system with respect to previous literature and against experimental results from a synthetic foot phantom, we conducted human studies in which plantar tissue loading was evaluated in real time during treadmill gait in healthy individuals (N = 4). We concluded that internal deformations and stresses in the plantar pad during gait cannot be predicted from merely measuring the foot-shoe force reactions. Internal loading of the plantar pad is constituted by a complex interaction between the anatomical structure and mechanical behavior of the foot skeleton and soft tissues, the body characteristics, the gait pattern and footwear. Real-time FE monitoring of internal deformations and stresses in the plantar pad is therefore required to identify elevated deformation/stress exposures toward utilizing it in gait laboratories to protect feet that are susceptible to injury.     

Rheological analysis of soft collagenous tissue. Part II: experimental evaluations and verifications

As a direct continuation of Part I, where the theoretical background for the rheological model was discussed, possible operations on the model are discussed and performed on anterior cruciate ligament preparations from rabbits. Different methods of evaluating model constants are compared and other mathematical expressions than those of the model proposed are tried and discussed. Model parts are verified and numerical values are given for certain constants.     

Restriction fragment analysis of the HLA Class II region: Application to tissue transplantation

Southern blotting and hybridization with locus specific probes is a reliable method for the determination of HLA Class II specificities and in conjunction with several other techniques is providing valuable information on the nature of Class II polymorphisms in man. In terms of the identification of Class II specificities in transplantation however, the advanced nature of DR serology means that DR restriction fragment analysis is probably limited only to those situations where serological methods have been unsuccessful.Whether DQ and DP incompatibilities can evoke rejection responsesin vivo remains to be fully ascertained although our preliminary data suggest that DQ mismatches probably have little effect upon graft outcome. Restriction fragment analysis is particularly attractive in that in enables reliable retrospective studies to be performed in conjunction with prolonged clinical follow up, and the technique will clearly continue to contribute significantly to our understanding of the importance of these molecules in transplantation.     

Enfuvirtide administration in HIV-positive transgender patient with soft tissue augmentation: US evaluation

Enfuvirtide is a large protein that should be injected subcutaneously to ensure an appropriate absorption. Here we report the case of a transgender HIV-positive patient receiving enfuvirtide with an individualized background regimen of antiretroviral drugs, who had previously undergone liquid silicone oil injections. We performed US scan to detect silicone-free areas for following enfuvirtide injections. US can be useful in the correct management of those patients with liquid silicone oil soft tissue augmentation who require subcutaneously injected drugs.     

Quantification of soft tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty using finite element analysis

Unbalanced contact force on the tibial component has been considered a factor leading to loosening of the implant and increased wear of the bearing surface in total knee arthroplasty. Because it has been reported that good alignment cannot guarantee successful clinical outcomes, the soft tissue balance should be checked together with the alignment. Finite element models of patients' lower extremities were developed to analyse the medial and lateral contact force distribution on the tibial insert. The distributions for four out of five patients were not balanced equally, even though the alignment angles were within a clinically acceptable range. Moreover, the distribution was improved by changing soft tissue release and ligament tightening for the specific case. Integration of the biomechanical modelling, image matching and finite element analysis techniques with the patient-specific properties and various dynamic loading would suggest a clinically relevant pre-operative planning for soft tissue balancing.     

The Oropharyngeal Airway in Young Adults with Skeletal Class II and Class III Deformities: A 3-D Morphometric Analysis

Objectives

1) To determine the accuracy and reliability of an automated anthropometric measurement software for the oropharyngeal airway and 2) To compare the anthropometric dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway in skeletal class II and III deformity patients.

Methods

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of 62 patients with skeletal class II or III deformities were used for this study. Volumetric, linear and surface area measurements retroglossal (RG) and retropalatal (RP) compartments of the oropharyngeal airway was measured with the 3dMDVultus software. Accuracy of automated anthropometric pharyngeal airway measurements was assessed using an airway phantom.

Results

The software was found to be reasonably accurate for measuring dimensions of air passages. The total oropharyngeal volume was significantly greater in the skeletal class III deformity group (16.7 ± 9.04 mm³) compared with class II subjects (11.87 ± 4.01 mm³). The average surface area of both the RG and RP compartments were significantly larger in the class III deformity group. The most constricted area in the RG and RP airway was significantly larger in individuals with skeletal class III deformity. The anterior-posterior (AP) length of this constriction was significantly greater in skeletal class III individuals in both compartments, whereas the width of the constriction was not significantly different between the two groups in both compartments. The RP compartment was larger but less uniform than the RG compartment in both skeletal deformities.

Conclusion

Significant differences were observed in morphological characteristics of the oropharyngeal airway in individuals with skeletal class II and III deformities. This information may be valuable for surgeons in orthognathic treatment planning, especially for mandibular setback surgery that might compromise the oropharyngeal patency.     

Functional analysis of four Class III peroxidases from Chinese pear fruit: a critical role in lignin polymerization

Pear fruit could be used as good medicine to relieve coughs, promote salivation, nourish lungs, and reduce the risk of many diseases for its phytochemical action. Lignin is a major secondary metabolite in Chinese pear fruit. Class III peroxidase (Class III PRX) is an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of lignin in plants. However, we poorly understand the role of PRXs in lignin biosynthesis in Chinese pear fruit. In our study, we cloned five PRXs from Chinese pear (Pyrus bretschneideri), namely PbPRX2, PbPRX22, PbPRX34, PbPRX64, and PbPRX75, which contained 978 bp encoded 326 amino acids (AA), 2607 bp encoded 869 AA, 972 bp encoded 324 AA, 687 bp encoded 229 AA, and 1020 bp encoded 340 AA, respectively. Enzyme activity analysis showed that four recombinant PbPRX proteins had catalytic activities for pyrogallol, guaiacol, ferulic acid, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol. Subcellular localization experiments showed that these genes were located in the cell wall or cell membrane. Enzyme activity and kinetics of PbPRX2 revealed its role in polymerization of lignin in Chinese pear fruit. The present study suggested that PbPRXs played critical roles in lignin biosynthesis in Chinese pear fruit.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-00949-9.     

A population-based study of soft tissue sarcoma incidence and survival in Australia: An analysis of 26,970 cases

BackgroundSoft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, often fatal tumors, but little is known of the epidemiology and survival in the Australian population. This study aims to provide the first epidemiological analysis of incidence and survival rates of STS in the Australian population.MethodsA retrospective population-based observational study was conducted between 1982 and 2009 of all patients with a diagnosis of STS using the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Australian Cancer Database. Incidence rates per 100,000; incidence rate ratios, age-standardized incidence rates, prevalence and incidence rates of subtypes of STS, median, one-year and 5-year survival rates were examined.ResultsA total of 26,970 patients were identified. Between 1982 and 2009 STS incidence rates significantly increased from 3.99 [95% CI 3.68–4.32] to 6.12 [95% CI 5.80–6.46] per 100,000 Australian population, with a peak incident rate ratio (IRR) of 1.59 [95% CI 1.51–1.69] (p < 0.0001) in 2001. Median age at diagnosis increased from 58 to 63 years. Incidence rates were stable across all 10-year age cohorts, except for people aged over 70 where it increased. Overall, age-standardized incidence rates increased from 4.70 [95% CI 4.42–5.00] in 1982 to 5.87 [95% CI 5.63–6.11] per 100 000 Australians in 2009. Leiomyosarcoma (20.43%), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (16.14%), and soft tissue tumors/sarcomas, not otherwise specified (10.18%) were the most common STS subtypes. Median survival from diagnosis increased from 5.80 years [95% CI 5.06–6.54] in 1985–1989 cohort to 8.18 years [95% CI 7.54–8.81] in the 2000–2004 cohort (log-rank test p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe incidence of STS is increasing in Australia, most noticeably in those aged over 70 years, with a small but statistically significant increase in overall survival rates.     

A quantitative analysis of orbital soft tissue in Graves' disease based on B-mode ultrasonography

Using B-mode ultrasonography, an attempt was made to measure the volume of extraocular muscles and retrobulbar fat in 31 patients (62 orbits) with Graves' disease. None of the patients had exophthalmometric measurements greater than 21 mm or had eye symptoms. The mean value of muscle volume of Graves' patients was significantly larger than that of normal controls (6.48 +/- 2.70 cm3 and 3.25 +/- 1.30 cm3, respectively, p less than 0.001). All of the patients had extraocular muscle swelling, although 2 of them had no extraocular muscle change for their unilateral eye. The extraocular muscle volume increased as the degree of the proptosis increased. The fat volume tended to increase in parallel with the degree of the proptosis. In the Graves' group with obvious proptosis (Hertel reading: 19--21 mm), the fat volume increased more significantly than in any other group. The ratio of extraocular muscle volume to retrobulbar fat volume was significantly higher in Graves' disease, but it did not increase as the degree of the proptosis increased. A significant correlation between proptosis and muscle volume plus fat volume was observed. No significant difference of the extraocular muscle volume was observed between the patients untreated and treated with antithyroid drugs. The data show a uniform enlargement of the extraocular muscles in Graves' disease and also suggest an involvement of increased retrobulbar fat volume in a group of obvious exophthalmos. The degree of the proptosis is in aclose proportion ot the quantitative change of the orbital soft tissue.     

Vibration analysis of human tibia: The effect of soft tissue on the output from skin-mounted accelerometers

The vibration response of bone can be recorded from a skin-mounted accelerometer, but only if it is sufficiently preloaded to overcome the damping effect of the interposed soft tissue. Excessive preload results in distortion of the recorded signal by a high-frequency component which probably originates in the supporting apparatus of the accelerometer. The required preload is proportional to the soft tissue thickness, but for any given soft tissue thickness, the range of allowable preload is fairly wide.     

Evaluation of a xenogeneic VEGF vaccine in dogs with soft tissue sarcoma

Active immunization against pro-angiogenic growth factors or their receptors is an emerging strategy for controlling tumor growth and angiogenesis. Previous studies in rodent tumor models have indicated that immunization against xenogeneic growth factors is more likely to induce effective anti-tumor responses than immunization against the autologous growth factor. However, the effectiveness or safety of the xenogeneic vaccination approach has not been previously assessed in a clinically relevant outbred, spontaneous tumor model. Therefore, we investigated the safety and anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of a xenogeneic vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) vaccine in pet dogs with spontaneous cancer. Nine dogs with soft tissue sarcoma were immunized with a recombinant human VEGF vaccine over a 16-week period. The effects of immunization on antibodies to human and canine VEGF, circulating VEGF concentrations, tumor microvessel density (MVD), and tumor growth were assessed. The xenogeneic VEGF vaccine was well-tolerated by all dogs and resulted in induction of humoral responses against both human and canine VEGF in animals that remained in the study long enough to receive multiple immunizations. Three of five multiply immunized dogs also experienced sustained decreases in circulating plasma VEGF concentrations and two dogs had a significant decrease in tumor MVD. The overall tumor response rate was 30% for all treated dogs in the study. We conclude therefore that a xenogeneic VEGF vaccine may be a safe and effective alternative means of controlling tumor growth and angiogenesis.     

Progression of biopsy-measured liver fibrosis in untreated patients with hepatitis C infection: non-Markov multistate model analysis

Background

Fibrosis stages from liver biopsies reflect liver damage from hepatitis C infection, but analysis is challenging due to their ordered but non-numeric nature, infrequent measurement, misclassification, and unknown infection times.

Methods

We used a non-Markov multistate model, accounting for misclassification, with multiple imputation of unknown infection times, applied to 1062 participants of whom 159 had multiple biopsies. Odds ratios (OR) quantified the estimated effects of covariates on progression risk at any given time.

Results

Models estimated that progression risk decreased the more time participants had already spent in the current stage, African American race was protective (OR 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.60 to 0.95, p = 0.018), and older current age increased risk (OR 1.33 per decade, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.54, p = 0.0002). When controlled for current age, older age at infection did not appear to increase risk (OR 0.92 per decade, 95% confidence interval 0.47 to 1.79, p = 0.80). There was a suggestion that co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus increased risk of progression in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment beginning in 1996 (OR 2.1, 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 4.4, p = 0.059). Other examined risk factors may influence progression risk, but evidence for or against this was weak due to wide confidence intervals. The main results were essentially unchanged using different assumed misclassification rates or imputation of age of infection.

Discussion

The analysis avoided problems inherent in simpler methods, supported the previously suspected protective effect of African American race, and suggested that current age rather than age of infection increases risk. Decreasing risk of progression with longer time already spent in a stage was also previously found for post-transplant progression. This could reflect varying disease activity, with recent progression indicating active disease and high risk, while longer time already spent in a stage indicates quiescent disease and low risk.     

Plasma-circulating levels of natriuretic peptides in patients with bone and soft tissue injuries

To evaluate the release and possible role of N-terminal end of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) prohormone (proANF-1-30) and C-terminal end of ANF prohormone (aANP-1-28) in patients with soft tissue and bone injuries, 20 patients with soft tissue injuries, 18 bone-fractured patients, and 21 healthy controls were examined. Samples were collected from patients within 24 h after injury. Plasma level of proANF-1-30 and aANP-1-28 were higher in orthopedic patients than the soft tissue injury patients compared to controls (P < 0.005, P<0.05, respectively). proANF-1-30 was over 15-fold greater than aANP-1-28 in the healthy control samples. These data hypothesized that the concentration of proANF-1-30 may be related to tissue damages in man.