Facial Tissue Research Articles

Description of the Surgical and Prosthetic Workflow of a Patient Rehabilitated with Implant-Retained Auricular Prosthesis

Facial tissue loss is acquired as a result of congenital anomalies or acquisitional misshapen like tumoral lesions or accidents. These defects result in functional problems, esthetic concerns, and also psychosocial troubles and could be repaired by plastic surgery or reconstructed using facial prostheses. Conventional tissue-supported auricular prostheses meet lots of challenges due to dependence on tissue undercut or adhesive for retention. Implant-retained auricular prostheses lessen the complications related to adhesive-retained prostheses and alleviate the need for invasive plastic surgery. Implant-retained auricular prostheses provide patients with secure retention and avoid prosthesis disengagement caused by movable surrounding soft tissue. The impact of prostheses with secured retention and satisfactory esthetics on the self-confidence of patients with facial defects is promising. This paper aimed to describe the surgical and prosthetic workflow of a patient with acquired ear deformity due to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) which was rehabilitated with implant retained auricular prosthesis.

Structural equation modelling to estimate facial soft tissue thickness parameters based on ethnicity, gender and body mass index: a secondary study on an Iranian dataset.

According to theanthropological importance of soft facial tissue thickness parameters, we aimed to find the association of these parameters with Lur and Arab ethnicities, gender and body mass index (BMI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. As a secondary analysis, SEM was performed on a dataset of 100 participants. The participants were from Lur and Arab populations of Ahvaz province, Iran, from those who referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to headache. Multivariate regression illustrated that mental eminence (ME), chain-lip fold (CLF) and end of nasals (END) could not be predicted by the independent variables (p > 0.05). Right masseteric region (RMST) had the maximum predictability with R2 = 0.365, followed by middle philtrum (MID) with R2 = 0.358 (p < 0.001). With respect to our criterion to enter SEM, i.e. existing at least two significant covariates at significance level of 0.05, among staying parameters, only parameters of nasion (NA), MID, superior lip (SL), RMST and left masseteric region (LMST) remained. Among these cases, MID was the only parameter that its three covariates illustrated significant association. MID parameter can be predicted by gender, BMI and Arab ethnicity. By carrying out such studies and creating database, such information can be used in plastic surgery, corpse identification, and facial reconstructionsoftware in archeology.

The influence of fibrous suspension flow regimes on the formation of tissue paper manufactured from different furnish compositions

Abstract The present work was based on analysis of the flow regime of fibre suspensions, that corresponds to furnishes and process conditions typically established for tissue paper manufacturing, i.e., under the common range of stock consistencies at the machine headbox and most usual furnish compositions. The flocculation potential of fibre suspensions used for toilet papers, facial tissues, paper towels and table napkins were evaluated on the principles of analytical concepts for fibre agglomeration propensity. The results show crowding numbers from 5.0 to 69.0, depending on the type of fibre or fibre blending ratios. The findings regarding agglomeration factors indicate that flow regimes are mainly in semi-concentrated and around gel state zones but reached the concentrated flow regime, in extreme conditions of fibre morphology and stock consistency. The influence of hardwood and softwood mixture ratios on the fibre suspension features is shown and discussed for common formulations of tissue base paper. The effect of fibre length and coarseness on the flocculation potential and the impacts of fibre suspension flow regimes on the structural properties of tissue paper, such as the formation uniformity are discussed, demonstrating the reasons for the preferred use of high hardwood content in furnish balance for tissue paper manufacturing.

Relationship between supracrestal soft tissue dimensions and other periodontal phenotypic features: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between periodontal supracrestal soft tissue dimensions (PSSTDs) and other phenotypic features in non-molar maxillary teeth. Adult subjects in need of comprehensive dental treatment were recruited. Periodontal phenotypic variables (i.e., facial and palatal gingival thickness [GT], alveolar bone thickness [BT], and PSSTDs, namely distance from the gingival margin to the bone crest defined as periodontal supracrestal tissue height [PSTH] and distance from the cementoenamel junction to the bone crest [CEJ-BC]) were recorded using cone-beam computed tomography scans. Standardized intraoral photographs were obtained to assess facial keratinized tissue width (KTW) and other anatomical parameters (i.e., tooth type, gingival architecture, and interproximal papilla height). The study sample was constituted of 87 participants that contributed with a total of 522 maxillary anterior teeth. Differences in mean values of PSSTDs, KTW, GT, and BT were observed between tooth types and gender. Males exhibited a thicker GT and BT, and taller PSTH and KTW compared to females. Shorter CEJ-BC was associated with shorter PSTH, wider KTW, and thicker GT and BT. Shorter PSTH was associated with thicker facial BT. Notably, BT and GT were positively correlated at both facial and palatal sites, meaning that the thicker the gingival phenotype, the thicker the bone morphotype. Facial BT and facial GT were positively correlated with KTW. A flat gingival architecture was associated with the thick periodontal phenotype. Square teeth had shorter CEJ-BC, wider KTW, and thicker GT. Periodontal phenotypic features vary across and within subjects, between facial and palatal sites at different apico-coronal levels, and as a function of gender and tooth type. The shorter the PSSTDs, the wider the KTW and the thicker the GT and BT. PSSTDs, particularly PSTH, should be considered an integral component of the periodontal phenotype.

Absorption of sulfur dioxide gas in moistened porous material on a suspended gold leaf electrochemical sensor

This work describes an unconventional voltammetric detection in a gas medium using a suspended electrode unit. A paper moistened with the supporting electrolyte is used to absorb the gas. This concept was demonstrated for the in-situ detection of SO2 gas to quantify sulfite residue in samples of frozen shrimp. The gas is generated by the acidification of an aqueous suspension of shrimp tissues. The porosity of facial tissue paper is employed to provide a liquid layer of supporting electrolyte for the operation of the gold leaf electrochemical sensor. The absorbed gas is also dissolved in this liquid layer. The gold leaf sensor is reusable by replacing the tissue disc and rinsing the electrodes with water. The electrochemical sensor does not require refrigeration or pre-conditioning as with commercial biosensors and is thus suitable for point-of-need purposes. Production of the gold leaf sensor is only ca. 0.2 USD per unit and can be used regularly for up to 3 months. The linear calibration range of spiked negative control shrimp samples is from 3 to 240 mg kg−1 SO2 for a 30 mL solution of an extract of 5.0 g homogenized defrosted shrimp. The limit of detection (3 ×SDintercept/slope) for spiked samples is 2 mg kg−1 SO2. This is the first electrochemical sensor in a gas medium exploiting the entrapment of electrolyte solution inside a porous substrate.

Ludmila of Bohemia (ca. 860–921): Multidisciplinary considerations on her facial approximation

Ludmila of Bohemia or Saint Ludmila (ca. 860–921) is a popular religious figure from the Czech Republic. In 2021, the reliquary containing part of her skull was scanned and the missing portion of the structure was digitally reconstructed using references from anthropological studies carried out in the late 1990s by Dr. Emanuel Vlček, Ph.D. (1925–2006). From the completed skull, an estimation of facial hard tissue made a forensic facial approximation possible. The present study aims to present the sequence of methodological analysis, the development of new techniques and procedures used in this case that can become tools to facilitate the task of digitally restoring skulls with missing structures that can be applied in archeological and surgical context. The cranial hard tissue from an anonymous donor of a CT-Scan exam was “deformed” to fit onto the remains of the historical skull of Ludmila of Bohemia. The estimated facial proportions were tested by several methods that correlate the proportions of cranial structures. The reconstruction was performed based on several scientific parameters and the resulting structures were also consistent to predictors commonly used in the forensic field. The cranial deformation method provided a hard tissue estimation and gave reference to a facial approximation of a historical figure. Its development and testing may inspire future research to support a wide range of applications that goes from archaeology to medical usage.

Using Discarded Facial Tissues to Monitor and Diagnose Viral Respiratory Infections.

Molecular biology amplification enables sensitive detection of most respiratory viruses through nasopharyngeal swabbing. We developed an innovative approach to detect viral genomes on used facial tissues. In 2 communities of children, used tissues were collected once weekly for 1 year. Pooled analysis of tissues enabled detection of successive virus circulation in 4 age groups over time and forecasted by several weeks the circulation of influenza in the general population. At the individual level, in a proof-of-concept study of 30 volunteers with influenza-like signs/symptoms, we identified common respiratory viruses. The signals for SARS-CoV-2 obtained in parallel from 15 facial tissues and swab samples were similar and often higher for the tissues (11/15). Individual analysis of tissues offers a noninvasive, sensitive, and affordable alternative to self-sampling without a medical care requirement. Pooled analyses may be used to detect virus spread in specific communities, predict seasonal epidemics, and alert the population to viral infections.

Viscoelastic Properties of Human Facial Skin and Comparisons with Facial Prosthetic Elastomers.

Prosthesis discomfort and a lack of skin-like quality is a source of patient dissatisfaction with facial prostheses. To engineer skin-like replacements, knowledge of the differences between facial skin properties and those for prosthetic materials is essential. This project measured six viscoelastic properties (percent laxity, stiffness, elastic deformation, creep, absorbed energy, and percent elasticity) at six facial locations with a suction device in a human adult population equally stratified for age, sex, and race. The same properties were measured for eight facial prosthetic elastomers currently available for clinical usage. The results showed that the prosthetic materials were 1.8 to 6.4 times higher in stiffness, 2 to 4 times lower in absorbed energy, and 2.75 to 9 times lower in viscous creep than facial skin (p < 0.001). Clustering analyses determined that facial skin properties fell into three groups-those associated with body of ear, cheek, and remaining locations. This provides baseline information for designing future replacements for missing facial tissues.

Transcriptome sequencing of facial adipose tissue reveals alterations in mRNAs of hemifacial microsomia.

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a common congenital malformation of the craniofacial region, including mandibular hypoplasia, microtia, facial palsy and soft tissue deficiencies. However, it remains unclear which specific genes are involved in the pathogenesis of HFM. By identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in deficient facial adipose tissue from HFM patients, we hope to provide a new insight into disease mechanisms from the transcriptome perspective. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed with 10 facial adipose tissues from patients of HFM and healthy controls. Differentially expressed genes in HFM were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Functional annotations of the DEGs were analyzed with DESeq2 R package (1.20.0). A total of 1,244 genes were identified as DEGs between HFM patients and matched controls. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that the increased expression of HOXB2 and HAND2 were associated with facial deformity of HFM. Knockdown and overexpression of HOXB2 were achieved with lentiviral vectors. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assay was performed with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) to confirm the phenotype of HOXB2. We also found that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and human papillomavirus infection were activated in HFM. In conclusion, we discovered potential genes, pathways and networks in HFM facial adipose tissue, which contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HFM.

Facial Soft Tissue Thickness Differences among Three Skeletal Classes in Korean Population Using CBCT.

Studies related to facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) have been conducted since the late 19th century. Soft tissue is any tissue in the body that is not hardened by ossification or calcification processes, such as bones and teeth; and varies according to sex, age, race, and nutritional status. Forensically, soft tissue thickness plays an important role in cases where a cadaver has no unique characteristics; and the remains cannot be identified through DNA analysis, fingerprints, or examination of dental records. Therefore, the results of the current study suggest that the average thickness of the three skeletal classes (i.e., straight, concave, and convex) should be used for face restoration and forensic art research. It is thought that the current study's results will be invaluable in the fields of forensic science, forensic art, anthropology, and dentistry. As a result, gender differences were observed in all classes, and the facial tissue thickness in Korean adults differed according to gender and occlusion type.

Enhanced Lip-Contour During Facial Scan for 3D DSD and Implant Planning: A Blue Screen Approach.

When obtaining 3-dimensional (3D) facial images for digital smile design (DSD) and dental implant planning, inaccuracies may frequently be introduced by distortion in the region between the lips' vermilion border and the teeth. The present clinical technique aimed to reduce such deformation during face scanning, thereby facilitating 3D DSD. This is also essential to plan bone reduction with precision for implant reconstructions. A custom-made silicone matrix acting as a blue screen provided reliable support for 3D visualization of facial images in a patient requiring a new maxillary screw-retained implant-supported fixed complete denture. Imperceptible volumetric changes were registered in the facial tissues when the silicone matrix was added. The usual deformation of the lip vermilion border originating in face scans was overcome by applying blue-screen technology with a silicone matrix. Reproducing the vermilion border of the lip contour accurately may offer improved communication and visualization for 3D DSD. The silicone matrix was a practical approach that acted as a blue screen to display the transition from lips to teeth with satisfactory precision. Implementing blue-screen technology in reconstructive dentistry might increase predictability by reducing errors when scanning objects with challenging-to-capture surfaces.

Case report on pre-orthodontic trainer in a 9-year-old child with 12 months follow up

BACKGROUND: Pre-fabricated myofunctional appliances for early orthodontic therapy have been designed specifically for the care of children at the time of mixed dentition in growing adolescents with class II division 1 malocclusions. Sophisticated prefabricated removable functional appliances known as pre-orthodontic trainers have been shown to train the orofacial musculature, thus correcting malocclusions. CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a case report of 9-year-old boy diagnosed as Class II division 1 malocclusion with protruded upper anterior teeth, constricted upper arch, space loss in lower arch and Class 2 molar relation on side. Functional treatment approach was decided using pre orthodontic T4K trainer for 12 months. At the end of this phase of treatment, improvements have been evaluated with lateral cephalograms superimposition between T1 and T2. DISCUSSION: Class II orthopaedic treatment along with the use of functional appliances by early interception assist in addressing the concerns with soft tissues, muscles, mouth respiration, and bruxism. The pre orthodontic trainer allowed a good dento-skeletal result as it had a major effect on the masticatory muscles after 12 months application which helped in obtaining a good esthetic outcome for the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prefabricated functional appliance in children can be an advantageous method for early treatment of class II malocclusions with functional patterns as these devices influences masticatory muscle which help in molding the facial tissues and a viable alternative to braces for treating malocclusions in children because it stimulates the development of the dental arches transversely to stop the progression of the malocclusion. Therefore, when a lack of transverse development is discovered at a young age, this appliance is an invaluable tool for enhancing dental arch development, interceptive management of malocclusion, and oral habits.

Comparative study between enriching fat grafting with autologous adipose-derived stem cells and traditional fat transfer for facial tissue augmentation

Comparative study between enriching fat grafting with autologous adipose-derived stem cells and traditional fat transfer for facial tissue augmentation

Photographic Facial Soft Tissue Analysis by Means of Linear Measurements in Adult Pakistani Population

Background: Achieving pleasant and well balanced face is primary objective of orthodontic management. Comprehending facial tissues and acceptable range of structures, allows formulation of treatment plan. Objectives: This study rationale was to establish mean linear photogrammetry norms for adult Pakistanis, to aid in diagnosis, planning of treatment, esthetics and stability in the therapy results, for local population. Methods: A cross sectional study, on 78 subjects from Fatima Memorial Hospital and undergraduate scholars of Fatima Memorial College of Dentistry. Gathered data was logged and examined in SPSS 20. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Categorization ofgender and age was carried out to check distractors and independent t-test was used, with p-value ≤ 0.05 as significant statistically. Result: Result of this research exhibited marked variation in genders for length of lower lip, which was shorter in females than males. The length of lower lip which was significant on the basis of gender, was statistically insignificant on the basis of age. All other parameters showed statistically insignificant difference on the basis of gender and age. Conclusion: This research concluded that average values for gender and age for linear parameters must be used while planning cases for orthodontic therapy ofpatients of Pakistani origin. Keywords: Photogrammetry, Esthetics, Soft Tissue, Orthodontics, Treatment Planning, Diagnosis.

The Fundamental Concepts of High SMAS Facelift: Literature Review

A number of facelift procedures have been introduced by many surgeons but there is no consensus has yet been established to carry. Since the first description of superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), it is used as the basis for many facelift methods that produce superior result in rejuvenation compared to traditional skin only facelift. Extended SMAS facelift becoming SMAS modification techniques that is still being developed. It produces two different vector of subcutaneous and SMAS flap, that is essential to restore drooping deep facial tissue with natural appearance. Despite the beneficial use of extended SMAS flap, most of plastic surgeons still traditionally incise the SMAS under the zygomatic arch. However, the low SMAS incision results only on rejuvenation of the lower face and is not sufficient to correct mid-facial aging. Fundamental concepts of high SMAS facelift by reviewing some literatures explain that high SMAS flap transection allowing the surgeon to achieve greater vertical elevation of the deep structures of the face by undermining the middle face, combined with fixation to a fixed structure produces lasting results and oblique vector of skin envelope creating no tension look. Incision above zygomatic arch turns out to be safely performed without facial nerve injury thorough knowledge of the anatomy. The final result is a balanced and harmonious elevation of sagging tissues of the midface, cheek, and jawline, to such an extent that high SMAS facelift becomes optimal, durable, technically simple, reproducible and with a comparatively high safety margin in facelift procedures.

Cephalometric landmark standards and recent trends in craniofacial identification (2018-22): Avoiding imposters by describing variant landmarks as supplemental

• Cephalometric landmarks are used to define facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTTs) • Standardised landmarks maximise data value, e.g., enabling inter-study comparisons • Recent FSTT papers (last 5 years) often deviate from standardised landmark sets • Some FSTT papers label non-standard landmarks as standard, which is problematic • Novel landmarks add value, but should be clearly identified as novel/supplementary To review the recent facial soft tissue thickness literature (2018- 22 ) to determine if authors are currently adhering to standardised cephalometric landmarks and nomenclature, thereby supporting best scientific practices. Facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) studies published between 2018 – 2022 were identified using Google Scholar with the search phrase: facial AND soft tissue AND thickness AND craniofacial AND identification AND/OR forensic. Twenty-three resulting papers were reviewed for their landmark content. Across the 23 studies, a mean of 12 common landmarks were measured from a max. set of 36 (mean = 19). Twenty of 23 papers used at least one non-standardised or novel landmark. This included studies that awarded standard landmark names, but whose definition(s) diverged from standards. Other novelties included non-standard use of landmark abbreviations (e.g., description of only one landmark for what is in fact cephalometric pairs of landmarks), confusion of proximally located landmarks with one another, departure from pre-existing technical terminology to imprecise lay vocabulary, and entirely new landmark formulations. Despite prior calls to the importance of standardisation in FSTT research, recent literature continues to exhibit broad departures from established standards. While novel landmarks provide highly valuable information, in any study, they should supplement a minimum set of standard landmarks so that cross-comparisons between studies using identically collected measurements are possible. Future FSTT research should award greater attention to including and meeting established FSTT cephalometric standards.

Essential Surgical Anatomy for Facelift

It is crucial for a facelift surgeon to have a comprehensive understanding of ageing-related changes on the volume, elasticity, and relative position of various facial tissues and layers. These changes lead to an alteration in the surface topography, contour, and ultimately shape of the face. The depressions and sagging of tissues created as a result of ageing then has a bearing on one's perceived age. This article describes the various layers of the face and neck affected by ageing. The fat compartments, superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), potential facial spaces, facial ligaments, and facial nerve are discussed in detail. Safe and effective execution of facelift requires a thorough understanding of the intricate relationship between the various layers of face and neck, in particular the path of facial nerve, as it negotiates between these layers. The emphasis of this article is on integrating this knowledge to generate practical tips for safe dissection, effective tissue movement, and repositioning during various type of facelift procedures.

Awareness about Patterson syndrome among dental students.

The aim is to create awareness about Patterson syndrome among dental students. Patterson-Stevenson-Fontaine syndrome is a very rare condition marked by irregular facial bone and tissue growth (mandibulofacial dysostosis) as well as limb abnormalities. A recessed jaw (retrognathism), cleft palate, and external ear defects are all possible symptoms of this disorder. A total of 112 undergraduate dental students participated in a longitudinal cross-sectional sample. To assess college students' awareness about Patterson syndrome, a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire was developed and distributed. The only language allowed was English. The results were analyzed in SPSS software version 23. 10.71% of females and 14.29% of males were aware about Patterson syndrome. 32.14% of females and 38.39% of males were aware that Patterson syndrome was a rare adrenal disorder. We can conclude that very few of the population which was only 25% of the dental students were aware about Patterson syndrome and this survey helped in creating awareness about this syndrome.

51. Facial and Dental Features of Hemifacial Atrophy

Hemifacial atrophy is a rare, acquired condition of unknown aetiology characterised by progressive unilateral atrophy of the facial tissues. The incidence is unreported. Lesions progress for several years leading to facial deformity and are ultimately self-limiting. We present two cases demonstrating the full range of features of the condition.

THE COLOBOMAEYE SYNDROME - A RARE CASEREPORT

The COLOMBOMA EYE which means a lash less eye becomes one of the striking features of a rare disorder called TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME. It may be a condition that affects the development of facial bonesand other tissues of the face. This condition features a wide range of signs and symptoms,from hardly perceptible to severe. Treacher Collins syndrome also called as Franceschettisyndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of craniofacial development with variableexpressivity. Its named after E Treacher Collins who described the essential components ofthe condition in 1900. It is caused by the mutation of particular gene of which 81-90% of cause will be due to the mutation of TCOF1 gene. Incidence of this syndrome is approximately one in fifty thousandlive births and it affects both genders equally. It affects structures which are derivatives of theprimary and second brachial arches. The foremost common manifestations of TCS are theantimongloid slanting of the palpebral fissures, colobomas of the lower eyelid, hypoplasia ofzygoma and mandible and a spread of ear abnormalities. People with Treacher Collinssyndrome usually have normal intelligence.This article describes clinical and radiographicfeatures of TCS in a 29 yr old male who had reported to the department of Oral Medicineand Radiology with the complaint of forwardly placed upper and lower front teeth since birth.Alsopathogenesis, diagnostic procedure, diagnosis based onscore, management andpreventive aspects are discussed.