Important anatomical variations of the superior posterior alveolar artery: Studied by cone beam computed tomography

Display of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus spike protein B-cell linear epitope on Lactobacillus mucosae G01 S-layer surface induce a robust immunogenicity in mice

The Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) presents a substantial risk to the domestic pig industry, resulting in extensive and fatal viral diarrhea among piglets. Recognizing the mucosal stimulation triggered by PEDV and harnessing the regulatory impact of lactobacilli on intestinal function, we have developed a lactobacillus-based vaccine that is carefully designed to elicit a strong mucosal immune response. Through bioinformatics analysis, we examined PEDV S proteins to identify B-cell linear epitopes that meet the criteria of being non-toxic, soluble, antigenic, and capable of neutralizing the virus. In this study, a genetically modified strain of Lactobacillus mucosae G01 (L.mucosae G01) was created by utilizing the S layer protein (SLP) as a scaffold for surface presentation. Chimeric immunodominant epitopes with neutralizing activity were incorporated at various sites on SLP. The successful expression of SLP chimeric immunodominant epitope 1 on the surface of L.mucosae G01 was confirmed through indirect immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, revealing the formation of a transparent membrane. The findings demonstrate that the oral administration of L.mucosae G01, which expresses the SLP chimeric immunodominant gene epitope1, induces the production of secreted IgA in the intestine and feces of mice. Additionally, there is an elevation in IgG levels in the serum. Moreover, the levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-17 are significantly increased compared to the negative control group. These results suggest that L. mucosae G01 has the ability to deliver exogenous antigens and elicit a specific mucosal immune response against PEDV. This investigation presents new possibilities for immunoprophylaxis against PEDV-induced diarrhea.

Anatomy of Maxillary Sinus: Focus on Vascularization and Underwood Septa via 3D Imaging

The study of the maxillary sinus anatomy should consider the presence of two features of clinical importance. The arterial supply course and the presence of the so-called Underwood septa are two important factors to consider when planning surgical treatment to reduce the risk of surgical complications such as excessive bleeding and Schneiderian membrane perforations. This study aimed to investigate the above-mentioned anatomical structures to improve the management of eventual vascular and surgical complications in this area. This study included a total of 200 cone-beam computed topographies (CBCTs) divided into two groups of 100 CBCTs to evaluate the arterial supply (AAa) course through the lateral sinus wall and Underwood's septa, respectively. The main parameters considered on 3D imaging were the presence of the AAa in the antral wall, the length of the arterial pathway, the height of the maxillary bone crest, the branch sizes of the artery in the first group, and the position of the septa, the length of the septa, and their gender associations in the second group. The CBCT analysis showed the presence of the arterial supply through the bone wall in 100% of the examined patients, with an average size of 1.07 mm. With regard to the septa, 19% of patients presented variations, and no gender difference was found to be statistically significant. The findings add to the current understanding of the clinical structure of the maxillary sinus, equipping medical professionals with vital details for surgical preparation and prevention of possible complications.

Maxillary sinuses, multiple aspects to consider prior to bone grafting procedure: a retrospective study in a sample of a Palestinian population

OBJECTIVES

To analyze various anatomical aspects of the maxillary sinuses on CBCT volumes, mainly, the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), and to compare its visibility on CBCT vs. panoramic radiographs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective radiographic analysis was conducted on 120 patients (240 maxillary sinuses) using their CBCT coronal views (CCV) and panoramic radiographs (CP). On CCV, the PSAA's maximum dimension (MD), vertical distance (PVD) to the alveolar crest, and bone plate thickness (T1 and T2) buccally and inferiorly to the PSAA, respectively, were analyzed. Additionally, on CCV, the ostium vertical distance (OVD) and location were recorded, and the height of the remaining bone height inferior to the maxillary sinuses (MVD) was also measured. The PSAA's visibility was evaluated and compared between CCV and CP. All these variables were studied at the apical region of the second maxillary premolar (P2), first molar (M1), and second molar (M2). Age, gender, and face side (right vs. left) factors affecting the sinus dimensions and visibility were investigated. Several statistical tests were used to analyze these variables.

RESULTS

PSAA was detected in 96.53% of the records on CCV, where it was significantly superior to CP in the detection of the PSAA structure (p value 0.000) at all sites analyzed. The PSAA's MD, PVD, T1 and T2 thicknesses, and MVD were on average 1.19 mm, 19.54 mm, 0.69 mm, 1.36 mm, and 10.25, respectively. OVD average was 31.04 mm where 42.9% of the ostia were within the mesiodistal extent of the second upper molar. No significant relation was found between different age groups, gender, and the visibility level of PSAA.

CONCLUSION

Age, gender, and the side of the face investigated showed no discernible effects on the maxillary sinus's bone thickness, vertical dimensions, or PSAA diameter among the studied Palestinian sample. As CCV was superior to CP in the identification of PSSA, preoperative evaluation of PSSA using CBCT volumes is thus recommended.

Anatomic evaluation of the posterior superior alveolar artery using cone-beam computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This systematic review examined the detection of the posterior superior alveolar artery, along with various anatomic characteristics, on cone-beam computed tomography images.

Materials and Methods

Studies were identified electronically through the Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using a 5-item binary scale. The detection rate, location, and classified diameter of the posterior superior alveolar artery were estimated as prevalence values. The diameter of this artery, as well as the distances from the artery to the alveolar crest and sinus floor, were estimated as means with associated 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Thirty-seven studies were enrolled, with 34 of these included in the meta-analysis. The mean detection rate was 79% (range: 72%-84%), and the mean diameter was 1.06±0.05 mm (range: 0.96-1.16 mm). The posterior superior alveolar artery was located intraosseously in 64% of cases. The mean distance of the artery from the alveolar crest was 16.71±0.49 mm (range: 15.75-17.68 mm), while the mean distance from the artery to the sinus floor was 8.85±0.4 mm (range: 8.05-9.64 mm).

Conclusion

According to the findings of this meta-analysis regarding various anatomic characteristics of the posterior superior alveolar artery, severe hemorrhage after damage to this artery during sinus augmentation procedures is not a substantial clinical problem.

[Topographic assessment of the vascular anastomosis in the maxillary sinus wall using cone-beam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence, diameter and topography of the intraosseous vascular canal of the maxillary sinus lateral wall.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data of cone-beam computed tomography of 150 dental patients (294 maxillary sinuses) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intraosseus anastomosis of the branches of the posterior superior alveolar artery and infraorbital artery was detected in 87.8% of cases (258 of 294 sinuses). Anastomosis was found inside the wall of the sinus in every tooth location in 9.5% of sinuses; in other cases, the anastomosis was partially or fully embedded in the thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus in different tooth site. The mean diameter of the vascular anastomosis was 0.95±0.3 mm (range 0.3-2.18 mm). The average distance from the anastomosis to the sinus floor was 8.91±3.39 mm (range 1.68-21.83mm). In most cases, at locations of molars and premolars, the distance from the vascular anastomosis to the alveolar crest was greater than 15 mm (from 75.5% at the location of the first molar to 99.2% at the location of the first premolar).

CONCLUSION

Detection of the topography of the vascular anastomosis by using cone-beam computed tomography is essential when planning the position of the antrostomy for the lateral sinus lift procedure in order to minimize iatrogenic complications.