Maxillary Process Research Articles

Intrauterine and post-ovipositional embryonic development of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus (Vanzolini, 1976) (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) from northeastern Argentina.

The reproductive biology and embryonic development of Typhlopidae have rarely been explored. This family of snakes includes mostly oviparous species with uterine egg retention, but the morphology and development of embryos remain unknown. This work aimed to describe the embryonic development of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus from the northeast of Argentina. For this purpose, embryos from intrauterine eggs of gravid females and eight post-ovipositional eggs incubated in the laboratory were analyzed. Embryonic stages, corresponding to the early, mid and advanced development, and a hatchling were described. The main organs and systems form during the period of intrauterine embryonic retention. Comparing to other snakes, differences in the development of cranial structures such as encephalic vesicles and mandibular and maxillary processes were identified. After oviposition the development and differentiation of the tissues and organs completes, the body scales develop, the characteristic pattern of pigmentation establishes and the embryo grows and consumes the yolk. On average, the incubation period lasts 55 days. Differences in the stage of development at oviposition among females of different populations were observed. Embryonic retention could extend up to advanced stages of development.

Objective computerised assessment of residual ridge resorption in the human maxilla and maxillary sinus pneumatisation.

Atrophic resorption of the maxillary alveolar ridge is a complication that makes implantological rehabilitation critical. Our aim was to develop a novel computer aided procedure for the accurate quantitative assessment of maxillary residual ridge resorption including pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus that goes beyond previously described approaches and to apply it to a large dataset. To develop and refine the method, we performed a retrospective analysis using computed tomography data from 405 patients to generate segmented, three-dimensional models of zygomaticomaxillary bones and maxillary sinuses. Using anatomical landmarks and orientation lines or planes, all models were aligned automatically to subsequently generate cross-sectional images (n = 2835), enabling the classification of atrophy as well as the quantification of volumes and caudal extensions of the maxillary sinuses. We developed and implemented an accurate and reproducible workflow for the semi-automated analysis of volumetric maxillary images. Comprehensive statistical analysis of the large quantitative dataset revealed various correlations of maxillary process heights and sinus volumes with atrophy class, age and region and identified conjectural trends over the patient group. The method was used successfully to process a large dataset to classify atrophy, to measure alveolar height parameters, and to quantify maxillary sinus volume, bottom volume and pneumatisation. Apart from the anthropometric value of the generated dataset, the method could be applied to provide additional and more accurate data to assess the necessity of bone augmentation in the context of three-dimensional planning before implantation.

Leprosy in skulls from the Paris Catacombs

Background: The Paris Catacombs contain the remains of approximately 6 million people dating back to the 15th century, when leprosy was endemic in France.Aims: The aim of this palaeopathological study was to identify the presence of leprosy in skulls from the Paris Catacombs.Subjects and methods: Macroscopic examination of skulls in situ for bone changes secondary to oronasal soft tissue infection by leprosy. Skulls were categorised as having “probable” signs of leprosy if they had an enlarged nasal (pyriform) aperture, resorption of the anterior nasal spine, and resorption of the alveolar processes of maxilla, and as having “possible” signs of leprosy if they met one of these three criteria.Results: Skulls from 123 sections within the Catacombs (approximately 1500 remains in total) were triaged, with 367 skulls identified as suitable for examination. Of these, 74 had central facial bone alterations/abnormalities and underwent detailed examination, yielding 0.5% (2/367) classified as having probable, and 5.7% (21/367) possible signs of leprosy.Conclusions: The proportion of skulls with probable signs of leprosy gives an approximate estimate (0.5%) for the prevalence of this disease in the population of Paris (or districts of Paris) during the 15–18th centuries.

Ontogenesis of the tear drainage system requires Prickle1-driven polarized basement membrane deposition.

In terrestrial animals, the lacrimal drainage apparatus evolved to serve as conduits for tear flow; however, little is known about the ontogenesis of this system. Here, we define the anatomy of the fully formed tear duct in mice, characterize crucial morphogenetic events for the development of tear duct components and identify the site for primordial tear duct (PTD) initiation. We report that the PTD originates from the orbital lacrimal lamina, a junction formed by the epithelia of the maxillary and lateral nasal processes. We demonstrate that Prickle1, a key component of planar cell polarity signaling, is expressed in progenitors of the PTD and throughout tear duct morphogenesis. Disruption of Prickle1 stalls tear duct elongation; in particular, the loss of basement membrane deposition and aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of laminin are salient. Altered cell adhesion, cytoskeletal transport systems, vesicular transport systems and cell axis orientation in Prickle1 mutants support the role of Prickle1 in planar cell polarity. Taken together, our results highlight a crucial role of Prickle1-mediated polarized basement membrane secretion and deposition in PTD elongation.

Dental Caries Status in Children with And Without Cleft Lip: A Case Control Study.

An orofacial cleft is the fourth common congenital malformations in humans. It is caused by the inadequate closure of maxillary processes during 4th week to 12th week of intrauterine life. Dental caries, being a chronic disease, affects both the children and adults. Hence a study was conducted to assess the dental caries status in children with cleft lip and also compare with children without cleft lip. Retrospective data collected from 89,000 case records from June 2019 to March 2020 were taken for the study. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the present study consisted of 6 children divided into two groups: children with cleft lip and children without cleft lip. In both groups, parameters such as Decayed- Missing - Filled Teeth index score were recorded and tabulated. The data was subjected to Mann-Whitney test using SPSS software. Higher DMFT score was seen in patients without anterior crossbite. Mean DMFT Index for case group (children with cleft lip) was 4, and the mean DMFT Index for control group (children without cleft lip) was 8. Higher caries prevalence was noticed in children without cleft lip when compared to children with cleft lip. The difference was not statistically significant (P value - 0.20). Within the limitations of the study, dental caries status in children with cleft lip is good compared with children without cleft lip.

Surgical Correction of Tessier No. 7 Facial Cleft of Goldenhar Syndrome Patient: A Case Report

Goldenhar syndrome is a disease that caused by affected structures induced by the first and second bronchial arch. It is characterized by various clinical symptoms such as ocular abnormality, external auditory canal stenosis, ear tag, mandibular dysplasia, and spinal abnormality. Since the fusion of the maxillary and mandibular processes is also affected, lateral cleft at commissure of mouth appears commonly. According to Tessier s craniofacial cleft classification in 1976, lateral cleft at commissure of mouth corresponds to Tessier No. 7 classification, characterized by philtrum displacement due to non-union and improper development of muscles around the mouth. There is no definite time for the treatment of these patients with facial anomalies, but it is necessary to perform surgical correction at the appropriate time considering the functional and social aspects of the patient. Patients with Goldenhar syndrome are often accompanied by other systemic diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to perform oral and maxillofacial surgery after evaluate the systemic conditions of the patient. There are few surgical methods to correction Tessier No. 7 facial clefts, but the gold standard is not established. In this case, surgical correction of lateral cleft was performed using simple suture method based on reorientation of orbicularis oris muscle, where reorientation of zygomaticus major muscle and risorius muscle. Triangular abundant skin of mouth commissure was rotated to intraoral side and used appropriately to closure. After the operation, the patient’s symmetry of the lip was recovered, and the functional recovery of the orbicularis oris muscle was achieved.

Historical review and redescription of three poorly known species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus from south-eastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

ABSTRACT This study is primarily directed to the most poorly known species of the genus Trichomycterus, comprising five nominal species (T. florensis, T. immaculatus, T. nigricans, T. paquequerensis and T. santaeritae) endemic to south-eastern Brazil. One of them, T. nigricans, is the type species of the genus, involved in taxonomic problems for over 150 years. A detailed historical review, accompanied by examination of type specimens and recent collections, revealed that the correct type locality of T. nigricans is in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, not Santa Catarina as commonly appears in the literature; specimens previously misidentified as T. nigricans from Santa Catarina belong to a possibly undescribed species of the genus Cambeva; T. paquequerensis is a synonym of T. immaculatus, and T. florensis is a synonym of T. santaeritae; and the hypothesis that T. santaeritae is closely related to the Amazon Sarcoglanidinae is refuted. The three valid species are redescribed. These species are members of a clade also including T. caipora that is highly supported by molecular data, diagnosed by a pronounced posterior maxillary process and caudal fin emarginate at least in larger specimens. A subclade comprising T. caipora, T. nigricans and T. santaeritae is diagnosed by a long maxilla and a bifid anterior extremity of hypobranchial 3.

MAXILLARY DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT

A 65-year-old woman was referred for the evaluation of a large mass on the right maxilla, which rapidly grew after tooth extraction in this region. Intraoral examination revealed an extensive well-defined nodular lesion located in the maxillary alveolar process, expanding both vestibular and palatal cortices, covered by normal oral mucosa pervaded by telangiectasia, of fibrous consistency, and asymptomatic. Panoramic x-ray did not present marked bone involvement, and an incisional biopsy was performed with the clinical hypothesis of maxillary sinus carcinoma and salivary gland malignant tumors. Histologic analysis showed neoplastic infiltration with lymphoid differentiation, and the final diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was referred to the oncologist and started a chemotherapy protocol with a remarkable reduction of the lesion after the first month of treatment with low adverse effects. Lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare, representing only 3.5% of the cases reported in the literature. A 65-year-old woman was referred for the evaluation of a large mass on the right maxilla, which rapidly grew after tooth extraction in this region. Intraoral examination revealed an extensive well-defined nodular lesion located in the maxillary alveolar process, expanding both vestibular and palatal cortices, covered by normal oral mucosa pervaded by telangiectasia, of fibrous consistency, and asymptomatic. Panoramic x-ray did not present marked bone involvement, and an incisional biopsy was performed with the clinical hypothesis of maxillary sinus carcinoma and salivary gland malignant tumors. Histologic analysis showed neoplastic infiltration with lymphoid differentiation, and the final diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was referred to the oncologist and started a chemotherapy protocol with a remarkable reduction of the lesion after the first month of treatment with low adverse effects. Lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare, representing only 3.5% of the cases reported in the literature.

The phylogenetic significance of the morphology of the syrinx, hyoid and larynx, of the southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius (Aves, Palaeognathae)

BackgroundPalaeognathae is a basal clade within Aves and include the large and flightless ratites and the smaller, volant tinamous. Although much research has been conducted on various aspects of palaeognath morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history, there are still areas which require investigation. This study aimed to fill gaps in our knowledge of the Southern Cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, for which information on the skeletal systems of the syrinx, hyoid and larynx is lacking - despite these structures having been recognised as performing key functional roles associated with vocalisation, respiration and feeding. Previous research into the syrinx and hyoid have also indicated these structures to be valuable for determining evolutionary relationships among neognath taxa, and thus suggest they would also be informative for palaeognath phylogenetic analyses, which still exhibits strong conflict between morphological and molecular trees.ResultsThe morphology of the syrinx, hyoid and larynx of C. casuarius is described from CT scans. The syrinx is of the simple tracheo-bronchial syrinx type, lacking specialised elements such as the pessulus; the hyoid is relatively short with longer ceratobranchials compared to epibranchials; and the larynx is comprised of entirely cartilaginous, standard avian anatomical elements including a concave, basin-like cricoid and fused cricoid wings. As in the larynx, both the syrinx and hyoid lack ossification and all three structures were most similar to Dromaius. We documented substantial variation across palaeognaths in the skeletal character states of the syrinx, hyoid, and larynx, using both the literature and novel observations (e.g. of C. casuarius). Notably, new synapomorphies linking Dinornithiformes and Tinamidae are identified, consistent with the molecular evidence for this clade. These shared morphological character traits include the ossification of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages, and an additional cranial character, the articulation between the maxillary process of the nasal and the maxilla.ConclusionSyrinx, hyoid and larynx characters of palaeognaths display greater concordance with molecular trees than do other morphological traits. These structures might therefore be less prone to homoplasy related to flightlessness and gigantism, compared to typical morphological traits emphasised in previous phylogenetic studies.

MicroRNA-124-3p suppresses mouse lip mesenchymal cell proliferation through the regulation of genes associated with cleft lip in the mouse

BackgroundCleft lip (CL), one of the most common congenital birth defects, shows considerable geographic and ethnic variation, with contribution of both genetic and environmental factors. Mouse genetic studies have identified several CL-associated genes. However, it remains elusive how these CL-associated genes are regulated and involved in CL. Environmental factors may regulate these genes at the post-transcriptional level through the regulation of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we sought to identify miRNAs associated with CL in mice.ResultsThrough a systematic literature review and a Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database search, we identified 55 genes that were associated with CL in mice. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis of these genes predicted that a total of 33 miRNAs target multiple CL-associated genes, with 20 CL-associated genes being potentially regulated by multiple miRNAs. To experimentally validate miRNA function in cell proliferation, we conducted cell proliferation/viability assays for the selected five candidate miRNAs (miR-124-3p, let-7a-5p, let-7b-5p, let-7c-5p, and let-7d-5p). Overexpression of miR-124-3p, but not of the others, inhibited cell proliferation through suppression of CL-associated genes in cultured mouse embryonic lip mesenchymal cells (MELM cells) isolated from the developing mouse lip region. By contrast, miR-124-3p knockdown had no effect on MELM cell proliferation. This miRNA-gene regulatory mechanism was mostly conserved in O9–1 cells, an established cranial neural crest cell line. Expression of miR-124-3p was low in the maxillary processes at E10.5, when lip mesenchymal cells proliferate, whereas it was greatly increased at later developmental stages, suggesting that miR-124-3p expression is suppressed during the proliferation phase in normal palate development.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that upregulated miR-124-3p inhibits cell proliferation in cultured lip cells through suppression of CL-associated genes. These results will have a significant impact, not only on our knowledge about lip morphogenesis, but also on the development of clinical approaches for the diagnosis and prevention of CL.

Treatment of giant follicular cyst of the upper jaw

Background. The article describes a clinical case of a successful surgical treatment of a large size follicular cyst pushing the anterior-inferior wall of the left maxillary sinus and the lower nasal concha, with the maxillary alveolar process osteoplasty.
 Clinical case description. According to the results of cone beam computed tomography, the size of the follicular cyst before the treatment was 45.423.339.7 mm. After the endodontic treatment, cystectomy, cystostomy, plastic surgery of the alveolar process of the upper jaw, the bone defect is reduced by two times, disconnected from the oral cavity.
 Conclusion. By the example of the presented clinical case, it has been shown that large jaw cysts require a multi-stage treatment with the participation of narrow specialists of related profiles.

Cis-control of Six1 expression in neural crest cells during craniofacial development.

Six1 is a transcriptional factor that plays an important role in embryonic development. Mouse and chick embryos deficient for Six1 have multiple craniofacial anomalies in the facial bones and cartilages. Multiple Six1 enhancers have been identified, but none of them has been reported to be active in the maxillary and mandibular process. We studied two Six1 enhancers in the chick neural crest tissues during craniofacial development. We showed that two evolutionarily conserved enhancers, Six1E1 and Six1E2, act synergistically. Neither Six1E1 nor Six1E2 alone can drive enhancer reporter signal in the maxillary or mandibular processes. However, their combination, Six1E, showed robust enhancer activity in these tissues. Similar reporter signal can also be driven by the mouse homolog of Six1E. Mutations of multiple conserved transcriptional factor binding sites altered the enhancer activity of Six1E, especially mutation of the LIM homeobox binding site, dramatically reduced the enhancer activity, implying that the Lhx protein family be an important regulator of Six1 expression. This study, for the first time, described the synergistic activation of two Six1 enhancers in the maxillary and mandibular processes and will facilitate more detailed studies of the regulation of Six1 in craniofacial development.

Cirurgia Ortognática em paciente portador de Fissura Labiopalatina

INTRODUÇÃO: As fissuras labiais e/ou palatinas (FL±P) são malformações congênitas comuns da face , ocorrem entre a quarta e nona semana do período embrionário. A etiologia ainda incerta aponta para fatores genéticos, ambientais ou mistos, ocorrendo devido à má junção dos processos maxilares e frontonasal. Classificam-se de acordo com o forame incisivo em fissura pré-forame incisivo, fissura pós-forame incisivo, fissura transforame incisivo e fissuras raras da face. Entretanto cirurgias em idade precoce do lábio e palato inibem o crescimento facial, posteriormente a realização de cirurgia ortognática para correção é necessária. OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo, portanto, apresentar um relato de caso sobre cirurgia ortognática em um paciente fissurado, mostrando a importância do tratamento para a reabilitação do portador. RELATO DE CASO: O estudo se trata de um paciente leucoderma, sexo masculino, 21 anos, portador de fissura transforame unilateral lado esquerdo que procurou o Hospital Santo Antônio das Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce para reabilitação, ao qual o paciente foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico de avanço de maxila e mentoplastia. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: É imperativa a necessidade que os pacientes portadores de fissura labiopalatina têm de serem avaliados e acompanhados em centros de referência por uma equipe multidisciplinar, composta principalmente por cirurgiões, ortodontistas e fonoaudiólogos. Neste presente caso paciente encontra-se em acompanhamento pós operatório e satisfeito com tratamento que lhe foi proposto.

The molecular anatomy of mammalian upper lip and primary palate fusion at single cell resolution.

The mammalian lip and primary palate form when coordinated growth and morphogenesis bring the nasal and maxillary processes into contact, and the epithelia co-mingle, remodel and clear from the fusion site to allow mesenchyme continuity. Although several genes required for fusion have been identified, an integrated molecular and cellular description of the overall process is lacking. Here, we employ single cell RNA sequencing of the developing mouse face to identify ectodermal, mesenchymal and endothelial populations associated with patterning and fusion of the facial prominences. This analysis indicates that key cell populations at the fusion site exist within the periderm, basal epithelial cells and adjacent mesenchyme. We describe the expression profiles that make each population unique, and the signals that potentially integrate their behaviour. Overall, these data provide a comprehensive high-resolution description of the various cell populations participating in fusion of the lip and primary palate, as well as formation of the nasolacrimal groove, and they furnish a powerful resource for those investigating the molecular genetics of facial development and facial clefting that can be mined for crucial mechanistic information concerning this prevalent human birth defect.

Reconstruction of the loss premaxilla in bilateral clefts with osteomucosal prelaminated microvascular fibula free flap

Background: Cleft of the lip and palate are relatively common malformations and they have to be treated in a experienced multidisciplinary units. One of the worst complication what can happen is the loss of the premaxilla in bilateral clefts. In order to restore the continuity and stability of the maxillary alveolar process, provide enough bone stock to accept dental implants and mucosal coverage in the lingual and vestibular aspects to prevent early peri-implantitis, the use of the prelaminated osteomucosal fibula flap is one the best options for the treatment of these complex defects.

PECULIARITIES OF ANLAGE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CERVICAL ORGANS DURING EMBRYONIC PERIOD OF HUMAN ONTOGENESIS

Objective: to determine the peculiarities of anlage and development of certain cervical organs during the embryonic period of human ontogenesis.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 12 series of successive histological sections of the human embryos 4-6 weeks of development (4,0-13,5 mm of the parietal-coccygeal length (PCL). Only those cases were included into the study when a cause of death was not associated with pathology of the organs, vessels and nerves of the neck. The methods of preparation of series of successive histological sections, common and thin dissection under control of binocular lens, graphic and plastic reconstruction, microscopy, and morphometry were used.Results. In the embryos 4,0-4,5 mm long the rudiments of the esophagus, larynx and trachea are determined as pharyngeal derivatives on the level of the first cervical vertebra, although none of the morphological structures that can be used to determine the borders between the rudiments of the respiratory and digestive tubes are found. In front of the rudiments of the respiratory and digestive systems there are big rudiments of the heart and liver, and behind – the rudiments of the cardiac veins, dorsal aorta and vertebral column.During the fifth week of the embryonic development the rudiment of the oral pharynx is in the form of a dilated anterior part of the foregut. The oral fossa which is the initial portion of the oral pharynx is bounded above by the unpaired frontal process, lower – by paired mandibular processes, and from the sides – by maxillary processes. The cervical part of the vertebral column is located dorsally from the rudiment of the pharynx, the larynx rudiment – ventrally, and vascular-nervous bundle of the neck – ventrolaterally. The rudiment of the larynx looks like an oval accumulation of mesenchyme developed due to the closure and separation of the epithelial channel from the ventral wall of the anterior intestine. The fourth brachia arteries are determined on the examined stage of the intrauterine development transformed in the right into the anonymous artery, and in the left – into the aortal arch.In the embryos 9,0-12,0 mm of PCL in the caudal portion of the anterior pharyngeal wall on the level of branching of the tracheal rudiment there is a paired thickening of the mesenchyme in the form of arytenoid rollers with dorsally directed incisures and a transverse roller separating the entrance into the respiratory tube. The epiglottis rudiment is also determined. The venous system of the cervical region is presented by the anterior cardinal veins mainly located ventrally from the vertebral column. The junction of the anterior and posterior cardinal veins results in the formation of the common cardinal veins. At the end of the embryonic period of development the internal and external jugular veins are formed from the cranial portion of the anterior cardinal vein.Conclusions. At the end of the embryonic period of development the pharynx and trachea are not separated clearly, since they are surrounded by the common layer of mesenchyme. The larynx is presented by mesenchyme thickening located directly close to the entrance into the respiratory tube. The main cervical veins are formed from the anterior cardinal veins.

Crucial and Overlapping Roles of Six1 and Six2 in Craniofacial Development

SIX1 and SIX2 encode closely related transcription factors of which disruptions have been associated with distinct craniofacial syndromes, with mutations in SIX1 associated with branchiootic syndrome 3 (BOS3) and heterozygous deletions of SIX2 associated with frontonasal dysplasia defects. Whereas mice deficient in Six1 recapitulated most of the developmental defects associated with BOS3, mice lacking Six2 function had no obvious frontonasal defects. We show that Six1 and Six2 exhibit partly overlapping patterns of expression in the developing mouse embryonic frontonasal, maxillary, and mandibular processes. We found that Six1 –/– Six2 –/– double-mutant mice were born with severe craniofacial deformity not seen in the Six1 –/– or Six2 –/– single mutants, including skull bone agenesis, midline facial cleft, and syngnathia. Moreover, whereas Six1 –/– mice exhibited partial transformation of maxillary zygomatic bone into a mandibular condyle-like structure, Six1 –/– Six2 +/– mice exhibit significantly increased penetrance of the maxillary malformation. In addition to ectopic Dlx5 expression at the maxillary-mandibular junction as recently reported in E10.5 Six1 –/– embryos, the E10.5 Six1 –/– Six2 +/– embryos showed ectopic expression of Bmp4, Msx1, and Msx2 messenger RNAs in the maxillary-mandibular junction. Genetically inactivating 1 allele of either Ednra or Bmp4 significantly reduced the penetrance of maxillary malformation in both Six1 –/– and Six1 –/– Six2 +/– embryos, indicating that Six1 and Six2 regulate both endothelin and bone morphogenetic protein-4 signaling pathways to pattern the facial structures. Furthermore, we show that neural crest–specific inactivation of Six1 in Six2 –/– embryos resulted in midline facial cleft and frontal bone agenesis. We show that Six1 –/– Six2 –/– embryos exhibit significantly reduced expression of key frontonasal development genes Alx1 and Alx3 as well as increased apoptosis in the developing frontonasal mesenchyme. Together, these results indicate that Six1 and Six2 function partly redundantly to control multiple craniofacial developmental processes and play a crucial neural crest cell–autonomous role in frontonasal morphogenesis.

Ift88 limits bone formation in maxillary process through suppressing apoptosis

ObjectiveThe development of the maxillary bone is under strict molecular control because of its complicated structure. Primary cilia play a critical role in craniofacial development, since defects in primary cilia are known to cause congenital craniofacial dysmorphologies as a wide spectrum of human diseases: the ciliopathies. The primary cilia also are known to regulate bone formation. However, the role of the primary cilia in maxillary bone development is not fully understood. DesignTo address this question, we generated mice with a mesenchymal conditional deletion ofIft88 using the Wnt1Cre mice (Ift88fl/fl;Wnt1Cre). The gene Ift88 encodes a protein that is required for the function and formation of primary cilia. ResultsIt has been shown thatIft88fl/fl;Wnt1Cre mice exhibit cleft palate. Here, we additionally observed excess bone formation in the Ift88 mutant maxillary process. We also found ectopic apoptosis in the Ift88 mutant maxillary process at an early stage of development. To investigate whether the ectopic apoptosis is related to the Ift88 mouse maxillary phenotypes, we generated Ift88fl/fl;Wnt1Cre;p53−/− mutants to reduce apoptosis. The Ift88fl/fl;Wnt1Cre;p53−/− mice showed no excess bone formation, suggesting that the cells evading apoptosis by the presence of Ift88 in wild-type mice limit bone formation in maxillary development. On the other hand, the palatal cleft was retained in the Ift88fl/fl;Wnt1Cre;p53−/− mice, indicating that the excess bone formation or abnormal apoptosis was independent of the cleft palate phenotype in Ift88 mutant mice. ConclusionsIft88 limits bone formation in the maxillary process by suppressing apoptosis.

Prenatal intrauterine maxillary development — An evaluation with three-dimensional ultrasound

ObjectivesThe aim of this prospective study was to investigate normal fetal maxillary development with volume ultrasound during the prenatal phase, for a better estimation of maxillary growth processes. MethodsSome 210 3D volumes were obtained in two measurement series from 38 healthy women (gestational age: 19+2 to 31+4 weeks) using a GE Voluson™ E10 ultrasound system. Maxillary length and width were determined in the axial and sagittal planes. Clearly defined, reproducible landmarks were used for measurements. The results were correlated with gestational age and compared with previously reported studies. ResultsTotal maxillary length ranged from 10.30 to 24.75 mm, total maxillary width from 13.65 to 37.30 mm in an observation period during the second trimester, with high reproducibility for all landmarks. All evaluation results showed steep growth with exponential character. Length growth was determined to be more dominant than width growth. Intra-rater correlation was evaluated to be almost perfect (ICC (3) > 0.8). ConclusionThis study presents measurements of physiological fetal maxillary development. The defined landmarks proved to be representative for further investigations. This study serves as a baseline for a better understanding of fetal maxillary growth processes, and may be useful for standardising detection of malformations or intrauterine growth restrictions.

Application of hyaluronic acid in treatment of patients with vertical atrophy of alveolar process of maxilla. Clinical case

Application of hyaluronic acid in treatment of patients with vertical atrophy of alveolar process of maxilla. Clinical case