Bisphosphonates, osteonecrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta and dental extractions: a case series.

Over the past 4 years, numerous cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients treated with bisphosphonates have been reported. Since 1998, children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta have received bisphosphonates to increase their bone density and reduce the incidence of bone fractures. The results have been convincing, but recent reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw have caused great concern when these patients require dental extractions.

Agonistic antibodies to Fas induce a breach in the endothelial lining of the liver and a breakdown in B cell tolerance.

Liver disease can be associated with a breakdown in self-tolerance and the production of autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factors (RF), which bind to IgG. Here we investigated whether primary, non-infectious liver damage was sufficient to induce autoantibody production. We established a model of targeted liver damage induced by weekly sublethal injections of pro-apoptotic anti-Fas (CD95) antibodies.

Hyperbaric oxygen results in an increase in rabbit calvarial critical sized defects.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate whether the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy could alter the critical size for spontaneous healing of a bone defect in the rabbit calvarial model.

Study Design: An animal trial of 12 weeks duration was conducted using 20 New Zealand white rabbits, which were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 animals each. Calvarial defects were created in the parietal bones of each animal bilaterally.

[Bioabsorbable osteofixation devices].

There is continued interest in the development of new biomaterials. The application of new implantable biomaterials requires intense research and thorough evaluation. Much time and effort has been required to overcome the risks and problems associated with the bioabsorbable devices.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandible in a child.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered tumor. A rare case of this malignant tumor arising in the mandible of a 14-year-old adolescent is presented. Symptoms, signs, and management approach are discussed.