Assessment of Hounsfield unit in the differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Hounsfield unit (HU) assessment with multislice-CT in the differentiation of radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs).Methods:In total, 307 odontogenic cysts (RCs, DCs and OKCs) were included in this study. Cysts with lesion diameter <10 mm, cysts with artefacts affecting measurement of HU values, cysts involving infection and recurrent cysts were regarded as exclusion criteria. Images were acquired in three different types of CT scanners: Aquilion ONE, Discovery CT750 HD and SOMATOM Definition Flash. Differences in HU values among scanners and among types of odontogenic cysts were assessed using one-way analysis of variance; multiple comparisons were performed post hoc, using the Tukey–Kramer honestly significant difference test.Results:In total, 164 cysts were analysed in this study (64 RCs, 57 DCs and 43 OKCs). Regardless of the type of lesion, the Aquilion ONE scanner demonstrated a significant difference in HU value, compared with the Discovery CT750 HD scanner. Regardless of CT scanner model, HU values significantly differed between DCs and OKCs (p < 0.0001), as well as between OKCs and RCs (p < 0.0001).Conclusions:HU values were found to vary among CT scanners and should always be associated with other lesion imaging features while interpreting and elaboration diagnostic hypothesis. Notably, the results suggested that OKCs might be able to be differentiated from DCs and RCs by using HU values.     

The combination of ITS2 and psbA-trnH region is powerful DNA barcode markers for authentication of medicinal Terminalia plants from Thailand

Journal of Natural Medicines - The dried fruits of Terminalia plant (Combretaceae) called “Samo” have been used as herbal medicine in Thai traditional medicine. Four “Samo”...     

Combination therapy with intra‐articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells and articulated joint distraction for repair of a chronic osteochondral defect in the rabbit

The present study investigated intra‐articular injection of bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with articulated joint distraction as treatment for osteochondral defects. Large osteochondral defects were created in the weight‐bearing area of the medial femoral condyle in rabbit knees. Four weeks after defect creation, rabbits were divided into six groups: control group, MSC group, distraction group, distraction + MSC group, temporary distraction group, and temporary distraction + MSC group. Groups with MSC received intra‐articular injection of MSCs. Groups with distraction underwent articulated distraction arthroplasty. Groups with temporary distraction discontinued the distraction after 4 weeks. The rabbits were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment except temporary distraction groups which were euthanized at only 12 weeks. Histological scores in the distraction + MSC group were significantly better than in the control, MSC group or distraction group at 4 and 8 weeks, but showed no further improvement. At 12 weeks, the temporary distraction + MSC group showed the best results, demonstrating hyaline cartilage repair with regeneration of the osteochondral junction. In conclusion, joint distraction with intra‐articular injection of MSCs promotes early cartilage repair, and compressive loading of the repair tissue after temporary distraction stimulates articular cartilage regeneration. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1466–1473, 2015.     

Assessment of regional wall motion using strain Doppler imaging during right ventricular bifocal pacing in a patient with severe congestive heart failure: a case report

A 79-year-old man presented with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic atrial fibrillation. A DDD pacemaker was implanted due to sick sinus syndrome. His left ventricular ejection fraction was 23%. He was repeatedly admitted with congestive heart failure. Although cardiac resynchronization therapy was attempted, insertion of a pacing lead into the coronary sinus failed. Right ventricular bifocal pacing was done. The QRS width was shortened to 155 msec during bifocal pacing and 157 msec during right ventricular outflow pacing from 221 msec during right ventricular apical pacing. Heart failure was improved from New York Heart Association class III to II. Regional wall motion was assessed by strain of the myocardium. Bifocal pacing increased stroke volume due to improvement of longitudinal dyssynchrony of the septal and lateral walls. Bifocal pacing is effective for patients with severe congestive heart failure in whom biventricular pacing therapy has failed. Strain Doppler imaging is useful for the assessment of regional wall motion during cardiac pacing.     

Growth Factor Measurement and Histological Analysis in Platelet Rich Fibrin: A Pilot Study

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare growth factor amount contained in platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and compare with that in platelet rich plasma (PRP), and in whole blood. And also to investigate distribution of growth factors and cellular components in PRF.

Materials and Methods

PRF and PRP were obtained from the same sample of peripheral blood. Extraction of proteins were done with lysis buffer, accompanied by freeze and thaw procedures. Concentration of two representative growth factors in platelets: platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PRF was cut into three parts: (top, middle and bottom), and growth factor concentration was measured respectively. Paraffin embedded section of PRF was observed with Giemsa stain. Immuno-histochemical analysis with anti-PDGF and anti-TGF-β antibodies was also conducted.

Results

The growth factor levels in PRF was higher than in peripheral blood and comparable to those in PRP. Growth factor levels in bottom part of PRF was much higher than in top and middle part. Microscopically, platelets and mono-nucleated cells were concentrated just above the yellow–red interface. Poly-nucleated cells were concentrated below the interface.

Conclusion

The growth factors were surely concentrated in PRF. This result can support basis of good clinical outcomes. For effective application of PRF, the knowledge that growth factors and cells are not equally distributed in PRF should be utilized.