Variation in bucco‐palatal maxillary sinus width does not permit a meaningful sinus classification

Abstract

Objectives

The bucco‐palatal sinus width (SW) appears as relevant factor for graft consolidation after maxillary sinus (MS) floor augmentation. The present study aimed to assess a) SW at different height levels of posterior teeth, b) possible factors influencing SW, and c) whether a simple/meaningful sinus classification based on SW is possible.

Methods

The following parameters were recorded on computed tomographies of 76 edentulous and 86 partially edentulous maxillary quadrants displaying 383 tooth sites in total: i) alveolar ridge height, ii) ‐area, iii) ‐width 2mm apical to the alveolar crest, iv) ‐width at the sinus floor, and v) SW and sinus area at a level 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm above the sinus floor. The possible influence of gender, tooth position [i.e., premolar (PM); molar (M)], tooth‐gap extent, and residual alveolar ridge dimensions on SW was assessed. Further, based on percentiles of average values or on the frequency distribution of SW <10, 10‐15, or >15mm, it was attempted to classify the sinus at each given site into narrow, average, or wide.

Results

Gender and tooth‐gap extent presented no relevant impact on MS dimensions; however, significant differences were observed among the various tooth positions regarding all evaluated parameters. The lower the residual alveolar ridge, the wider the MS at 4‐10mm height, while the wider the residual alveolar ridge, the wider the MS. Large variation in SW classes among the different height levels within the same tooth position and among tooth positions within the same person was observed, irrespective of the threshold applied. Further, at a MS height of 10mm at PM1, PM2, M1, and M2, SW was <10mm in 68%, 33%, 0%, and 7% of the cases, respectively, while in 3%, 21%, 65%, and 57%, respectively, SW was >15mm.

Conclusions

There is a large variation in SW depending on the height level within the sinus and on tooth position, which does not permit a simple/meaningful classification of each sinus as "narrow", "average", or "wide". Nevertheless, narrow sinuses (<10mm) are rather prevalent in the premolar region, while wide sinuses (>15mm) in the molar region; further, a wider and shorter residual alveolar ridge is associated with a wider SW.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2qPJjuR

Basophil Activation Test: Old and New Applications in Allergy

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The basophil activation test (BAT) using flow cytometry has supplanted traditional methods of measuring basophil degranulation using histamine and other mediator release, and can be used for clinical applications as well as to explore the immune mechanisms of effector cell response to allergen. This review discusses the advancements made in clinical, diagnostic and laboratory research of allergy utilizing an ever-evolving BAT.

Recent Findings

Being an in vitro surrogate of the allergic reaction that happens in vivo in the sick patient, the BAT can be used to support the diagnosis of various allergic conditions, such as food, drug, respiratory and insect venom allergies, and the assessment of clinical response to allergen-specific immunotherapy and other immunomodulatory treatments. The BAT can also be used for research purposes to explore the mechanisms of allergy and tolerance at the level of the basophil, for instance by manipulating IgE and IgG and their receptors and by studying intracellular signalling cascade in response to allergen.

Summary

This review covers the applications of the BAT to the clinical management of allergic patients and the increased understanding of the mechanisms of immune response to allergens as well as technological advancements made in recent years.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2K4pj0B

Cochlear Implant Users’ Vocal Control CorrelatesAcross Tasks

Cochlear implants (CIs) provide access to auditory information that can affect vocal control. For example, previous research shows that, when producing a sustained vowel, CI users will alter the pitch of their voice when the feedback of their own voice is perceived to shift. Although these results can be informative as to how perception and production are linked for CI users, the artificial nature of the task raises questions as to the applicability of the results to real-world vocal productions.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2qKCkTY

Characterization of the Continuous Elastic Parameters of Porcine Vocal Folds

This paper presents an evaluation of the elastic properties of porcine vocal folds through uniaxial tensile tests. Inferior vocal fold tissue samples were subjected to tension in the longitudinal direction while digital image correlation techniques were employed to determine strain values throughout the tests. The stress-strain results showed a low-strain linear region, followed by both a nonlinear exponential and then a higher strain linear region. Data from 16 porcine vocal fold samples were analyzed following a similar optimization method as proposed in prior studies [1] to yield continuous model parameters which describe the elastic properties of the tissue.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FpjgoN

The Role of the Pelvic Floor in Respiration: A Multidisciplinary Literature Review

To conduct an interdisciplinary literature review on the function of the pelvic floor musculature during respiration and its role in phonation, particularly singing.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2qONveB

Mast cell chymase impairs bronchial epithelium integrity by degrading cell‐junction molecules of epithelial cells

Abstract

Background

An increased degree of mast cell (MC) degranulation and damage to the epithelial lining are prominent features of bronchial asthma. In asthmatic airways, it seems likely that epithelial cells will be exposed to increased concentrations of proteases from MC, though their actions on the epithelium are still not very clear.

Methods

Bronchial rings from human lung tissue or 16HBE cell monolayer were incubated with MC‐chymase in different doses or various inhibitors. The sections of paraffin‐embedded tissue were haematoxylin‐eosin stained and computerized by image analysis for epithelial damage‐scale‐evaluation; the cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, LDH release were assayed; the expressions of gelatinases, cell‐junction molecules and structure proteins of 16HBE were examined.

Results

MC‐Chymase was found to provoke profound changes in the morphology of bronchi epithelial layer. Following incubation with chymase there was 40% reduction of the length of epithelium that was intact, with detachment of columnar epithelial cells and basal cells. Chymase reduced epithelial cell proliferation and induced cell detachment, which were associated with the changes in secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9. In intact epithelial cell layers, immunocytochemistry study revealed that chymase reduced the expressions of occludin, claudin‐4, ZO‐1, E‐cadherin, focal adhesion kinase and cytokeratin. Overall data of this study indicated that MC‐chymase can influence tissue remodelling, disrupt epithelial cell‐junctions, inhibit wound healing and impair the barrier function of epithelium, resulting in dysfunction of airway wall and ECM remodelling in pathogenesis of asthma.

Conclusions

MC‐chymase plays a key role in inducing the damage to bronchial epithelium in asthma.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2qKD2k6

Less exacerbations and sustained asthma control 12 months after high altitude climate treatment (HACT) for severe asthma

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FwoJtE