Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals Rare Germline Mutations in Patients With Hemifacial Microsomia.

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital disease characterized by a spectrum of craniomaxillofacial malformations, including unilateral hypoplasia of the mandible and surrounding structures. Genetic predisposition for HFM is evident but the causative genes have not been fully understood. Thus, in the present study, we used whole-exome sequencing to screen 52 patients with HFM for rare germline mutations.

Robot-assisted mandibular angle osteotomy using electromagnetic navigation.

Background: To explore the potential of electromagnetic (EM) navigation technology in the field of robot-assisted surgery, we set up a maxillofacial surgical robotic system (MSRS) guided by an EM navigation tool. Mandibular angle osteotomy was used to analyze the feasibility in confined surgical areas.

Methods: Model and animal experiments were implemented to validate the system precision.

Research on spatial motion safety constraints and cooperative control of robot-assisted craniotomy: Beagle model experiment verification.

Background: Traditional craniotomy depends primarily on the experience of the surgeon. However, the accuracy of manual operation is limited and carries certain surgical risks. The interaction method of current robot-assisted craniotomy is unnatural and inadaptive to the operating style of the surgeon.

Early hemi-mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis contributes to compensatory maxillary growth.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis at an early age is the standard hemifacial microsomia treatment. Nevertheless, the recurrence rate remains high and the definition of early age is controversial. We explored the optimal timing for mandibular distraction, when the surrounding skeleton, such as maxilla, can grow compensatory, to reduce recurrence.

Computer-assisted surgery in therapeutic strategy distraction osteogenesis of hemifacial microsomia: Accuracy and predictability.

Background: Distraction osteogenesis can be used to treat hemifacial microsomia in patients of any age group. Application of three-dimensional (3D) technology in the surgical planning of distraction osteogenesis allows the placement of an intraoral distractor to define the cutting line and help predict the outcome of surgery.

Aim: This study compared the results of distraction osteogenesis performed, using computer-assisted surgery, on OMENS-plus-classified M2A, M2B, and M3 type patients.

Expansion of CD26 positive fibroblast population promotes keloid progression.

Background: Keloid is a skin fibrosis disease that characterised by invasive growth of fibroblasts and aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix. Studies indicated that keloid fibroblasts (KFs) is a class of 'activated' fibroblasts, which show accelerated proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix formation as compared with normal fibroblasts (NFs). However, the mechanism underlying keloid fibroblasts dysfunction is still unknown.