BACKGROUND:Zinc can improve bone reaction to titanium implants through regulation of osteoblast activity under the condition of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To study the zinc ions effect on improving the stability of titanium implants under the condition of osteoporosis. METHODS:After removal of the ovary, 28 female Sprague-Dawley rats presented with osteoporosis symptoms for 12 weeks and then, they were randomly divided into two groups. Two kinds of titanium implants with (experimental group) or without zinc (control group) were inserted into the bilateral femoral metaphysis longitudinal y in the ovariectomized rats, separately. Three rats were selected from each group for double fluorescence labeling examination. Mineral apposition rate was calculated at postoperatively 6 weeks. Another four rats were selected from each group for histomorphometry analysis at postoperatively 12 weeks. Biomechanical test was in the remaining rats in the two groups to calculate the maximum push-out force and maximum shear force at 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The double fluorescence labeling examination revealed that the mineral apposition rate was improved in the experimental group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). New bone formation occurred in the two groups. However, larger new bone amount, higher bone area ratio and bone-to-implant contact were detected in the experimental group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The maximum push-out force and maximum shear force were also superior in the experimental group to the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These findings indicate that zinc ions are capable of promoting bone formation and improving implant fixation in ovariectomized rats.

Objective: To study the effect of individualized treatment of prominent ears using mattress suture combined tubed cartilage method. Methods: A total of 21 patients (28 ears) with prominent ear deformity were retrospectively analyzed from January 2013 to December 2015. Horizontal mattress suture and tubed cartilage were used to correct the deformed ears. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 year (mean: 9 months). Results: Hematoma occurred in 3 cases after operation, but the wounds were healed after removal of hematoma. No infection, flap necrosis, cartilage absorption or deformation, or other complications occurred. 28 ears were corrected. The shape of the antihelix was smooth and the auriculocephalic angle and scapha-conchal angle were significantly reduced, compared with preoperative. No obvious scar hypertrophy was left on incision. Conclusions The method of horizontal mattress suture combined with tubed cartilage is simple to use for prominent ear, result in satisfactory and stable outcomes.

Myogenous temporomandibular disorder (M-TMD) is one of the main subtypes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and typically manifests as masticatory myofascial pain; the incidence of TMD has been increasing annually in recent years. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. BTX-A inhibits the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane, thereby blocking neuromuscular junction signaling. The noncosmetic application of BTX-A in the oral and maxillofacial regions is a prominent research topic. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the application of BTX-A in the treatment of M-TMD. The results of a literature review revealed that an appropriate dose (10-50 U unilaterally) of BTX-A administered in a single injection into the masticatory muscles can effectively treat myalgia over a period of 3-6 months. Common adverse effects, such as masticatory weakness and facial paralysis, are transient and can be avoided by standardized injection techniques. However, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for injection techniques in clinical practice.