17-Beta estradiol enhances osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stromal cells.

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) possess multiple differentiation potentials and may serve as a cell source, if effectively modulated, for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Due to estrogen's function in tissue and organ development through regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, we hypothesized that an estrogen supplement may effectively enhance the multiple differentiation potentials of human ASCs. 17-Beta estradiol (E2) was investigated for modulating in vitro osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in human ASCs isolated from a healthy female donor.

Adipose tissue engineering by human adipose-derived stromal cells.

Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative approach to current clinical treatments for restoration of soft tissue defects. The purpose of this study was to investigate adipose tissue formation in vitro and in vivo by using human adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) utilizing a gelatin sponge (Gelform) as a scaffold. Adipogenic potentials of human ADSCs were demonstrated by Oil-O-red staining and cellular morphology.

Nanostructural and nanomechanical properties of synostosed postnatal human cranial sutures.

Craniosynostosis represents a heterogeneous cluster of congenital disorders and manifests as premature ossification of one or more cranial sutures. Cranial sutures serve to enable calvarial growth and function as joints between skull bones. The mechanical properties of synostosed cranial sutures are of vital importance to their function and yet are poorly understood.

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare: an unusual presentation in the eyelids and scalp.

Granuloma annulare is a dermatologic condition of unknown etiology. It most frequently presents on the extremities and trunk as skin-colored nodules arranged in an annular pattern. The lesions are usually asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously.

Natal teeth: a potential impediment to nasoalveolar molding in infants with cleft lip and palate.

The purpose of this article is to describe two cases of bilateral cleft lip and palate with natal/neonatal teeth. Clinical features, prevalence, possible complications, and treatment modalities are discussed. Two patients with cleft lip and palate and natal/neonatal teeth are described.

Management of alveolar clefts.

Treatment philosophies in the management of alveolar clefts have changed greatly over the years. Currently. the most widely accepted protocol is for repair using autologous cancellous bone from the iliac crest during the stage of mixed dentition.

Three-dimensional technology for documentation and record keeping for patients with facial clefts.

The surface laser scanner has great potential as a method for documentation of cleft infant due to its accuracy, ease of use, and convenience. The image scan be stored in the computer for easy access. As purchasing costs decrease, its acquisition will be facilitated, resulting in an increase in its use.

Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible with an internal bioresorbable device.

Lengthening of the mandible by distraction osteogenesis has been shown to be an effective treatment of hypoplastic mandibles. Use of an internal technique with a bioresorbable distraction device is presented. Mandibular lengthening was performed in seven patients aged 3.

Double-opposing Z-plasty for correction of midline cervical web.

Midline cervical web is a rare congenital anomaly that may be associated with a spectrum of midline developmental anomalies of the neck, lower face, and mandible. The clinical hallmark is a fibrous band typically extending from the symphysis of the mandible to the suprasternal notch. Various techniques have been used for surgical correction and generally have involved excision either with a straight-line closure or the incorporation of a Z-plasty.

Secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity: functional and esthetic reconstruction.

Secondary correction of residual unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities is necessary in a number of patients for functional and cosmetic purposes. Myriads of techniques and modifications have been reported. Most of these publications, however, deal with the correction of the esthetic aspects of the deformity, and little attention has been given to the functional problems associated with the deformity and to the functional outcome of these procedures.

Craniofacial applications of three-dimensional laser surface scanning.

Recent innovations in technology have generated a variety of techniques for medical imaging. One of these initially developed for industry is laser surface scanning. Laser surface scanning is a noninvasive method for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) images.