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Biomedical subjects

D Laufer

Publications and source records attributed to D Laufer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Enhancement of bone defect healing in old rats by TGF-beta and IGF-1.

Bone defects are often created in order to repair bone pathologies. In the aging population, the healing of such defects is very limited. Bone healing in aging depends on the availability of various hormone and growth factors. The ability of growth factors to enhance bone formation in femoral defects in old rats was tested. Bone defects were induced in femurs of old rats. A single dose of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), IGF-1, TGF-beta+IGF-1 or saline was inserted in the defect and bones were tested after 2 and 4 weeks. Radiology revealed that mineralization appeared in the 2 weeks group in defects treated with TGF-beta and in defects treated with TGF-beta, TGF-beta+IGF-1 in the 4 weeks groups. Computerized tomography (CT) coronal and axial images revealed that 4 weeks after treatment with TGF-beta+IGF-1, a complete bone bridge was observed. Morphology revealed that these defects were filled with trabecular bone. A less pronounced bone healing was observed after TGF-beta or IGF-1, while control specimens revealed partial healing of the bone defect. Biomechanical tests indicated that treatment with TGF-beta, IGF-1 or TGF-beta+IGF-1 resulted in a significant increase of bone bending rigidity compared to control in the 4 weeks group and that TGF-beta+IGF-1 was the most inductive in this respect. The ability to induce bone healing in aging by TGF-beta+IGF-1 is of a great clinical importance for restoration of bone strength and biomechanical properties of bone defects in aging.

Aging↗

The effect of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis therapy on alveolar bone and periodontium.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar bone is particularly sensitive to increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from either primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of secondary HPT on the periodontium of patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 35 patients with secondary HPT, with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis (E group). A control group (C group) was formed from 35 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects attending the maxillofacial outpatient clinic for a variety of reasons. Blood samples were taken from the E group, and the biologically active intact parathormone molecule, PTH(1-84), was assayed using two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). The time of onset and the duration since diagnosis of HPT was also recorded. In addition, for a subgroup of 25 matched pairs of patients, a clinical periodontal examination was performed, and the Ramfjord index teeth were recorded for: Plaque index (PI); Gingival index (GI); Probing depth (PD); and Clinical attachment level (CAL). A standardized panoramic X-ray was taken from all patients and computer-based linear measurements were used to assess alveolar bone loss (BL). Unpaired Student's t-test served to compare the two groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to study the association between PI, PTH level, disease duration and BL. RESULTS: Demographically, both groups were similar with no statistical difference. PI was also similar in the C and E group (2.03 +/- 0.13 and 1.76 +/- 0.17, respectively). GI, however, was slightly greater in the C group (1.28 +/- 0.09) compared to the E group (0.97 +/- 0.01). PD in the E group (2.92 +/- 0.14 mm) was almost identical to that of the C group (2.90 +/- 0.12 mm). Likewise, CAL in the E group (4.43 +/- 0.29 mm) did not differ from CAL in the C group (4.03 +/- 0.25 mm). Mean BL was also similar in the E and C groups (3.60 +/- 0.23 mm and 3.85 +/- 0.24 mm, respectively). PI showed a positive, significant correlation with BL (r = 0.457, P = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: From this study it can be concluded that secondary HPT does not have an appreciable effect on periodontal indices and radiographic bone height.

Adult↗

The effect of low-dose interleukin-2-based immunotherapy on salivary function and composition in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

One of the side-effects accompanying low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2)-based immunotherapy is salivary hypofunction. We evaluated the functional and compositional whole salivary profile at both resting and stimulated conditions in 10 renal cell carcinoma patients who received prolonged low-dose rIL-2-based immunotherapy. Following the termination of 4 weeks of the combined administration of rIL-2 and recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN-alpha), we found significant reductions of salivary flow rates at resting condition, accompanied by significant multiple compositional alterations, including increases in calcium, magnesium and phosphate concentrations, and significant reductions in total protein concentration. In contrast, no flow rate reduction was noted under stimulated condition, and the only significant altered compositional component was the phosphate. We recommend salivary-supporting therapies and anticariogenic treatments for patients undergoing low-dose rIL-2-based immunotherapy.

Adult↗

Intraoral distraction osteogenesis of the mandible in hemifacial microsomia.

PURPOSE: Lengthening of the mandible by distraction osteogenesis is the preferred method for treatment of hemifacial microsomia in children. Use of an intraoral distraction technique and horizontal oblique ramus osteotomy in such patients is presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mandibular ramus lengthening was performed in 11 patients aged 6 to 12 years with hemifacial microsomia. During the age of mixed dentition in hemifacial microsomia patients with a hypoplastic mandible, the unerupted molars buds are located high in the retromolar region and are in danger of being damaged by the osteotomy. Therefore, an intraoral approach exposing the mandibular ramus and angle was performed, and a horizontal oblique ramus osteotomy was made, preserving the inferior alveolar nerve. An intraoral device was placed along the ramus, and distraction was started on the third postoperative day at the rate of 1 mm/d and continued for 2 to 3 weeks or as long as necessary. The device was maintained for retention an additional 6 weeks and was then removed. RESULTS: Clinically, the face became more symmetric. The postdistraction posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs demonstrated elongation of the affected ramus and improvement in facial symmetry. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this method are that it allows device placement along the ramus, permitting the ramus elongation necessary in treatment of hemifacial microsomia, that it prevents damage to the tooth buds which, during the age of mixed dentition, are in a higher position in the retromolar area, and that it prevents injury of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Cephalometry↗

Postlicensure evaluation of the effectiveness of seven valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the introduction and routine use of seven valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease within the Northern California Kaiser Permanente (KP) population. METHODS: Surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease has been in place within KP since 1995. Isolates from normally sterile sites in children are routinely sent for serotyping. Cases of invasive disease are identified through review of automated microbiology records within KP. Incidence rates of invasive disease were compared for the period before and after routine use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children. RESULTS: The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by vaccine serotypes before the licensure and routine use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ranged between 51.52 and 98.15 cases per 100 000 person years in children <1 year of age and fell to 9.35 after introduction of vaccine. The incidence in children <2 years of age was 81.67 to 113.80 before introduction and 38.22 cases per 100 000 person years after introduction of the vaccine into the general population. These reductions in disease rates exceeded the average vaccine coverage substantially in each age group. No increase in disease incidence was observed for possibly cross-reacting serotypes or nonvaccine serotypes. CONCLUSION: The introduction and routine use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in our population have been associated with a substantial reduction in invasive disease incidence in children <5 years of age.

Child, Preschool↗

[Vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using distraction osteogenesis].

Alveolar ridge atrophy can be acquired or congenital. Alveolar ridge augmentation can be performed using bone grafting but a donor site morbidity is unavoidable and some resorption of the grafted bone occurs. Distraction osteogenesis offers an alternative method for bone reconstruction without donor site morbidity and sufficient stability of the final results. In order to place implants, vertical alveolar augmentation using Distraction Osteogenesis has been applied to 14 patients aged 17 to 55 years old with edentulous alveolar ridge, 8 in the mandible and 6 in the maxilla. Vertical alveolar bone distraction was started by performing a segmental alveolar osteotomy followed by insertion of a central distraction device--Lead System (Endosseous alveolar distraction system, Leibinger). After three days of latency period, the distraction was started in a rate of 0.8 mm per day for 9 to 16 days as needed. The retention period for the new bone maturation was twice as long as the active distraction period. After removal of the device, 23 cylindrical threaded implants were inserted. The results revealed increase of the alveolar bone height with new bone formation that was observed radiographically and clinically at the removal of the distraction device. The amount of elevation was 7-13 mm. In follow-up of 6-14 months, failure of only one implant was noted, due to inadequate transported bone stability. The advantages of alveolar bone distraction are: Increase of the alveolar bone height with new bone formation, minimal resorption of bone without the bone graft disadvantages. A long term follow up after the bone height achieved and implant anchorage should be performed in the future.

Adolescent↗

Carcinoma of the dorsum of the tongue.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anterior two thirds of the tongue is the second most common oral cancer, with the lateral border being the most common location. Squamous cell carcinoma of the dorsum of the tongue is exceedingly rare and has been described in the past as a myth or misdiagnosis. The clinical diagnosis of SCC on the dorsum of the tongue is difficult because it may be mimicked by a wide variety of benign and premalignant lesions, including granular cell myoblastoma, erosive lichen planus, medial rhomboid glossitis, and amyloidosis. In this study we re-evaluate the entity of SCC of the dorsum of the tongue. METHODS: We reviewed 5 large series of carcinoma of the tongue, which include accurate documentation of the topographic location of the carcinoma. We also describe 5 cases of SCC of the dorsum of the tongue from our own series of 99 patients with carcinoma of the tongue. RESULTS: In all 6 series, carcinoma of the dorsum of the tongue was present in 3 to 5% of the carcinomas of the tongue. CONCLUSION: Although rare, SCC of the dorsum of the tongue exists and may be mimicked by benign conditions, thus SCC should be suspected when diagnosing lesions of this area of the tongue.

Adult↗

Orbital infection arising from a primary tooth: a case report.

Odontogenic infections may spread to the orbit by one or more of several paths. Such extension is potentially dangerous and may lead to loss of vision. A case of infection from a primary tooth, which extended to the retrobulbar area is presented in this report. Treatment included surgical drainage of the resulting subperiosteal orbital abscess through a Caldwell-Luc approach as well as aggressive antibiotic therapy. The importance of early suspicion of this entity and its potential sequelae are discussed.

Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination↗

Extraoral vs. intraoral distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of hemifacial microsomia.

During hemifacial microsomia (HMF), an important phase of the treatment is elongation of the hypoplastic mandible, mainly the ramus, at an early stage. Twenty-two patients with HFM were treated with distraction osteogenesis: 12 with an extraoral device (10 unidirectional and 2 multidirectional) and 10 with an intraoral device. The mean elongation with the extraoral device was 21 mm, and with the intraoral device was 17 mm, resulting in a more symmetrical facial appearance. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are presented, based on the authors' experience and a review of the literature. The extraoral device permits elongation of a greater distance, enables extraoral control of the vector of elongation, and conserves the gonial angle by working in many directions. The main disadvantages of the extraoral device are the social inconvenience to the patient and the extraoral cutaneous scars. Conversely, the intraoral device is much more socially convenient to the patient and avoids residual scarring. However, in 2 patients treated with an intraoral device, an undesired contralateral open bite appeared as a result of reduced vector control. The intraoral method should always be considered first because of its previously mentioned advantages. However, in severely hypoplastic patients, when three-dimensional correction and gonial angle control are necessary, or when there is a limited space along the planned distracted bone, the extraoral device has an advantage over the intraoral device.

Adolescent↗

Enhancement of toluidine blue staining by transforming growth factor-beta, insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone in the temporomandibular joint of aged mice.

Osteoarthritic lesions appear in the articular cartilage of the temporomandibular joint of mice aged 7 months and older. Reduced rate of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis leading to destruction of the articular cartilage was observed in this joint. The purpose of the present study was to test the ability of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) to induce PG synthesis in joint cartilage of aged animals and to compare it with the effect of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). Mandibular condyle explants from 18-month-old mice were cultured up to 72 h in serum-free medium, supplemented with IL-1alpha (TGF-beta1 (0.1-5.0 ng/ml), TGF-beta1 (1.0 ng/ml) + IGF-1 (2 ng/ml) or GH (10 ng/ml). The incorporation of (35)S-SO(4) into sulfated PG was tested. Cartilage samples were processed for histomorphometry using sections stained with 0.1% toluidine blue (TB), pH 1.8. Results indicated that in cultures supplemented (48 h) with either TGF-beta, TGF-beta + IGF-1 or with GH, an increased height and area of TB-positive staining as well as increased incorporation of (35)S-SO(4) into sulfated PG were observed. In contrast, the cytokine IL-1alpha exerted an inhibitory effect on TB staining and on (35)S-SO(4) incorporation. The present study demonstrated that in vitro supplementation of IL-1alpha to mandibular condyle cartilage reduced the height and area of TB staining and incorporation of (35)S-SO(4), whereas TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1 + IGF-1 or GH increased the height and area of TB staining and increased incorporation of (35)S-SO(4). The two parameters used to identify increased PG synthesis were shown to reveal similar results and were useful for studying the dynamic events taking place in cartilage destruction and repair in osteoarthritis.

Age Factors↗

Does low-dose aspirin therapy complicate oral surgical procedures?

BACKGROUND: The fear of uncontrolled bleeding often prompts medical practitioners to stop aspirin intake for seven to 10 days before any surgical procedure. The authors initiated this study to evaluate the effect of aspirin on bleeding in patients undergoing oral surgery. METHODS: The study group consisted of 39 patients who were scheduled to undergo dental extractions. All patients were receiving 100 milligrams of aspirin daily on a regular basis. The authors randomly divided the patients into two groups: those who stopped the aspirin therapy before the procedure and those who continued the aspirin therapy. One hour before the procedures, all patients underwent a bleeding time test. In addition, the amount of bleeding during the procedure was measured. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) bleeding time was 1.8 +/- 0.47 minutes for patients who stopped aspirin therapy one week before the procedure. For patients who continued aspirin therapy, the bleeding time was 3.1 +/- 0.65 minutes. The difference was statistically significant (P = .004). However, both groups were within the normal bleeding time range, and in both groups, a local hemostatic method was sufficient to control bleeding. No episodes of uncontrolled intraoperative or postoperative bleeding were noted. CONCLUSION: Low-dose aspirin therapy should not be stopped before oral surgery. Local hemostasis is sufficient to control bleeding. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients receiving aspirin therapy to prevent blood clot formation may be subject to emboli formation if the treatment is stopped. The results of this study show that aspirin therapy should be continued throughout oral surgical procedures. Local measures are sufficient to control any bleeding during surgery.

Adult↗

A possible otological complication due to maxillary expansion in a cleft lip and palate patient.

OBJECTIVE: We present a possible negative side effect of a sudden onset of secretory otitis media in a 12-year-old boy with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent maxillary expansion. The secretory otitis media caused a temporary hearing loss developed during the activation of the expander appliance. The possible causes for this complication are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the possible association between maxillary expansion and secretory otitis media.

Audiometry, Pure-Tone↗

Primary gingival malignant melanoma. Report of 3 cases.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is rare in the oral cavity and accounts for less than 1% of all melanomas. Nevertheless, the disease can be fatal, and early diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis dramatically. The purpose of this paper is to report 3 new cases of primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity arising in the gingiva, and to review the literature regarding intraoral melanoma. METHODS: Three cases are presented. One case was in the right mandibular molar area; the second in the right maxillary canine-premolar area; and the third in the left mandibular canine-premolar region. All patients were treated surgically, with postoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: The first patient lived for 2 years and the second for 3 years before distant metastases were diagnosed from which they subsequently died. The third patient was lost from follow-up after 18 months. CONCLUSION: Primary oral malignant melanoma is a deadly disease. Early suspicion of this disease will allow prompt treatment and increase the prognosis for these patients.

Adult↗

Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjuncts to surgical periodontal therapy: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical mouthwashes are routinely used in clinical studies and also in daily clinical practice. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) has long been the gold standard for supra-gingival chemical plaque control regimens. Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AmF/SnF2) formulations have also been extensively studied and shown to have an antibacterial effect and be useful as antiplaque agents. The antibacterial effect of AmF/SnF2 and its minimal extrinsic tooth staining make it a possible alternative to CHX as an adjunct to periodontal surgical therapy. The aim of this double-blind, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the combined effect of an AmF/SnF2 or a CHX mouthwash and surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal parameters. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with at least 3 pockets > or =5 mm in the same quadrant were selected for this study, following a hygienic phase of therapy. They were randomized into 2 treatment groups: surgical flap debridement and a postsurgical CHX mouthwash or surgical flap debridement and an AmF/SnF2 postsurgical mouthwash, performed twice daily for 3 weeks. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline and 3 and 12 weeks postsurgery. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities resulted in significant improvements in probing depth and clinical attachment level. There was no significant difference between groups in any of the recorded parameters. Staining index at week 3 in the CHX group was significantly higher than in the AmF/SnF2 group (P<0.05). However these differences leveled down at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the alternative use of an AmF/SnF2 mouthwash in plaque control management of patients following flap debridement surgery.

Amines↗

Cyclosporine A-induced gingival hyperplasia pemphigus vulgaris: literature review and report of a case.

Gingival hyperplasia appears in 8% to 85% of patients treated with cyclosporine. Most studies show an association between oral hygiene status and the prevalence and severity of this gingival overgrowth. Thus, besides attempting to substitute this drug with another whenever possible, treatment usually involves maintenance of strict oral hygiene coupled with scaling and root planing and removal of iatrogenic factors. Sometimes a second treatment phase involving periodontal surgery is necessary. Cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth has been mainly described in post-organ transplant patients. The present case describes, for the first time, a severe form of cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth arising in a 15 year-old male with pemphigus vulgaris. Periodontal treatment included oral hygiene and scaling and root planing under local anesthesia. There was a significant reduction in gingival enlargement, as well as a reduction in plaque levels and inflammation. Cessation of drug administration, combined with continuous periodontal treatment, brought further improvement. This successful conservative treatment of cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth in a pemphigus vulgaris patient suggests that early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of these lesions may yield good response and reduce the need for periodontal surgery.

Adolescent↗

Case report of regional alveolar bone actinomycosis: a juvenile periodontitis-like lesion.

BACKGROUND: Cervicofacial actinomycosis infection most often involves the mandibular bone and rarely the alveolar crest. METHODS: We describe a 14-year-old patient who had actinomycosis involving the alveolar bone at the left lower dental quadrant region. Resembling juvenile periodontitis, it was difficult to diagnose properly and resulted in devastating dental and periodontal consequences: loss of one tooth with most of its adjacent regional alveolar bone, severely compromising the support of two other teeth. RESULTS: With the diagnosis came successful treatment, including surgical removal of the soft and hard tissues with concomitant prolonged penicillin administration. CONCLUSIONS: We feel that this case should raise the interest and concern of both the periodontist and the general practitioner so that early diagnosis can be obtained, significantly improving the clinical outcome.

Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial↗