Development of a new psychophysical method to assess intranasal trigeminal chemosensory function.

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a new psychophysical test to assess intranasal trigeminal chemosensory function.

Methodology: The test is similar to the Sniffin’ Sticks test, but using pens impregnated with substances preferentially activating trigeminal afferents. Our test comprises detection threshold, discrimination, identification and lateralization tasks.

Correlation between olfactory function, trigeminal sensitivity, and nasal anatomy in healthy subjects.

Purpose: Few studies have investigated the correlation between chemosensory function (trigeminal and olfactory) and nasal volume in humans, even though nasal anatomy is crucial for the sense of smell. Aim of this study was to evaluate these correlations in normosmic subjects.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six healthy volunteers (age range 19-69 years) participated.

Automated assessment of intranasal trigeminal function.

Background: The intranasal trigeminal system is a key player in the perception of intranasal airflow. Why it has not been studied very well may be due to the lack of techniques that allow for fast, reliable and inexpensive routine investigation of the system. The basis of the current study is the notion that--within limits--the intranasal trigeminal system detects the overall mass of a stimulus and not just its concentration.

Lethal cervical abscess following bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Context: Bisphosphonates are common drugs used in the management of bone metabolic diseases. Because of their recently increased use, their adverse effects, especially bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), are monitored more frequently. BRONJ is a critical challenge in craniofacial surgery and is difficult to treat.

Simultaneous cultivation of human endothelial-like differentiated precursor cells and human marrow stromal cells on beta-tricalcium phosphate.

Aim: The size of a bone defect limits the ingrowth of bone-forming cells. Endothelial cell-like differentiated precursor cells (endothelial progenitor cells, EPC) enhance the neovascularization, while marrow stromal cells (MSC) promote the repair of bone defects. Our aim was to evaluate if both types of cells can be cocultivated on a beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) matrix and maintain their differentiation capacity as well as to analyze the biologic activity of these cell constructs in vivo.