Edible Bite Force Sensor: A Novel Approach to Measuring Bite Force in Biomedical and Dental Applications.

BACKGROUND Measurement of bite force plays a crucial role in assessment of the masticatory system. With a growing interest in detecting occlusal irregularities, bite force sensors have garnered attention in the biomedical field. This study aimed to introduce a hydrogel bite force sensor, based on hydroxyethyl-cellulose-fructose-water (HEC-F-water), for premolar and molar teeth, and to evaluate it using optical profilometry, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Instron Tension testing system, with 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins at top, bottom, right, and left. MATERIAL AND METHODS We fabricated 20 HEC-F-water hydrogel samples sized with surface of 1×1 cm, with 2 different widths - 1 mm and 5 mm. The samples were characterized using optical profilometry and FTIR and their electrical characteristics were determined using an impedance analyzer. Aluminum (Al) electrodes, fabricated using Cutting Plotter, were used to form a HEC-F-water-based transducer, which was used for bite force sensing. The Instron tensile testing system was employed, utilizing 3D printed models of the upper and lower jaw, to simulate biting. Forces in the range between 40 N and 540 N were exerted upon the transducer, and the output change in the electrical signal was measured. RESULTS The study determined the transfer function between bite force and capacitance. The fabricated sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 3.98 pF/N, an input range of 500 N, output range of 2 nF, and accuracy of 95.9%. CONCLUSIONS This study introduces an edible bite force sensor employing an edible hydrogel as a dielectric, presenting a novel avenue in the development of edible sensorics in dentistry.

Bad bites bite back: a commentary on the impact of malocclusion on oral ingestion.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Journal articles published between January 2007 and January 2023 were identified. Studies that assessed malocclusion indices and oral function were included. Non-English articles and irrelevant studies were excluded. A total of 480 articles were identified. Following exclusion, 29 articles were included in the systematic review. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data was compiled using Microsoft Excel. Information from each article was extracted including study design, evaluation criteria of malocclusion and oral function, and findings. Studies were assessed using the STROBE GRADE approach. The results were compiled in a brief narrative review investigating the type and strength of the association between malocclusion and ingestion. RESULTS: Malocclusion was recorded using Index of Treatment Need, Dental Aesthetic Index, Goslon Yardstick Index, Index of Complexity Outcomes and Need, Peer Assessment Rating, Angle's classification, Specific Severity Score, dental inter-arch relation and cephalometric analysis. Ingestion was measured by bite force, electromyography, mixing ability index, bolus granulometric analysis, video analysis of kinetic parameters during mastication, and subjective questionnaires. Of the 29 articles identified, 20 demonstrated a negative impact of malocclusion on oral ingestion, highlighting impaired masticatory efficiency, bite force and subjective difficulties. Eight studies found no significant association. One study, which used two questionnaires, found a significant relationship between eating and malocclusion using one questionnaire but not the other. DISCUSSION: Limitations in current research methodologies were identified, particularly the heterogeneity in assessment tools. The indicators used to assess ingestion and malocclusion are flawed, with questionable reliability. No study was able to identify which features or severity of malocclusion impact ingestion. The relationship between ingestion and malocclusion could not be quantified and the need for longitudinal and case report studies was deemed essential to establish causality. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the importance of considering how malocclusion impacts function in orthodontic treatment planning. Future research should focus on standardised assessment methods for measuring malocclusion and oral ingestion to establish the nature of the relationship between the two. This will ultimately guide orthodontic intervention aiming to enhance oral function.

Dental Versus Zygomatic Implants in the Treatment of Maxillectomy: A Finite Element Analysis.

This study analyzed the stress distributions on zygomatic and dental implants placed in the zygomatic bone, supporting bones, and superstructures under occlusal loads after maxillary reconstruction with obturator prostheses. A total of 12 scenarios of 3-dimensional finite element models were constructed based on computerized tomography scans of a hemimaxillectomy patient. Two obturator prostheses were analyzed for each model. A total force of 600 N was applied from the palatal to buccal bones at an angle of 45°. The maximum and minimum principal stress values for bone and von Mises stress values for dental implants and prostheses were calculated. When zygomatic implants were applied to the defect area, the maximum principal stresses were similar in intensity to the other models; however, the minimum principal stress values were higher than in scenarios without zygomatic implants. In models that used zygomatic implants in the defect area, von Mises stress levels were significantly higher in zygomatic implants than in dental implants. In scenarios where the prosthesis was supported by tissue in the nondefect area, the maximum and minimum principal stress values on cortical bone were higher than in scenarios where implants were applied to defect and nondefect areas. In patients who lack an alveolar crest after maxillectomy, a custom bar-retained prosthesis placed on the dental implant should reduce stress on the zygomatic bone. The stress was higher on zygomatic implants without alveolar crest support than on dental implants.

Evaluation of the Effect of Occlusal Calibration in Periodontitis Patients with Occlusal Trauma Using T-Scan.

BACKGROUND: High occlusal forces in patients with untreated periodontitis may reflect occlusal trauma-associated periodontal conditions. Occlusal analysis using T-scan might provide the distribution of occlusal loading forces in periodontitis patients. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of occlusal trauma in periodontitis patients and occlusal calibration using a T-scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 periodontitis patients were recruited for the study. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group I: scaling and root planing followed by T-scan recording and no occlusal calibration; Group II: scaling and root planing followed by occlusal calibration using T-scan. Clinical parameters, orthopantomogram (OPG) and T-scan evaluation were evaluated at baseline, 3-month and 6-month intervals. RESULTS: Significant improvements in clinical parameters were noted at different time intervals after occlusal calibration using T-scan. At 3-month intervals, mean pocket depth showed statistically significant difference among the test group in the right (upper and lower) and left lower quadrant at P = 0.01, 0.002 and 0.005, respectively. Mean clinical attachment level (CAL) showed statistically significant difference among the test group in the right upper, right lower and left lower quadrants at P = 0.02, 0.001 and 0.009, respectively, at 3 months. The comparison of the mean gingival index (GI) at 6 months showed statistically significant difference among test and control groups at 6 months in different study quadrants (P = 1 in right upper, 0.009 in right lower, <0.001 in left upper and <0.001 in left lower). Mean pocket depth at the 6-month follow-up showed statistically significant difference among the test group in all the study quadrants (P = <0.001 in right upper, <0.001 in right lower, 0.003 in left upper and 0.005 in left lower). Mean CAL showed statistically significant difference among the test group in all the study quadrants at 6-month intervals (P = 0.02 in right upper, <0.001 in right lower, 0.01 in left upper and 0.04 in left lower). The bone defect height showed a statistically significant difference only in the right upper quadrant among both the test groups at the 6-month follow-up (P = 0.02). Comparing the mean percentage of force on both sides of the jaw showed a statistically significant difference among the test group at 6 months (P = 0.001 on the left side and 0.001 on the right side). CONCLUSION: The occlusal correction using T-scan showed a positive association between probing pocket depth (PPD) and CAL at different time intervals from baseline to 6 months when these parameters were compared after occlusal adjustments.

Physiological occlusal force attenuates replacement root resorption of replanted teeth: an experimental animal study.

BACKGROUND: Tooth avulsion represents the most severe form of dental trauma, necessitating tooth replantation as the primary treatment. However, the risk of replacement root resorption (RRR) poses a significant threat to tooth retention following replantation. This study preliminarily aimed to investigate the effect of physiological occlusal force on RRR after the replantation of avulsed teeth and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty-six 4-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent extraction and immediate replantation of their left maxillary molars. The rats were randomly divided into two major groups: the occluded (n = 18) group, where the opposite mandibular teeth were preserved; non-occluded (n = 18) group, where the opposite mandibular teeth were extracted. Within each major group, there were three subgroups corresponding to 7 days, 14 days, and 2 months, resulting in a total of six subgroups, (n = 6 per subgroup). The right maxillary first molars served as the normal control. Various periodontal characteristics were assessed using haematoxylin-eosin (H&E), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). RESULTS: Histological staining revealed that under occlusal force, the early stage (day 7) after tooth replantation mainly manifested as root surface resorption, especially in the non-occluded group, which gradually diminished over time. Cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL) repair was observed on day 14. Micro-CT analysis indicated a significant decrease in PDL width in the non-occluded group two months after replantation, consistent with the histological findings, signifying severe RRR in the non-occluded group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that physiological occlusal force may attenuate osteoclastogenesis during the early stage of tooth replantation, thereby reducing the occurrence of RRR and promoting periodontal healing.

Biomechanical impact of labiolingual diameter on endodontically treated anterior teeth with crown restoration under occlusal loading.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the labiolingual diameter and construction of an endodontically treated (ET) anterior tooth with crown restoration on stress distribution and biomechanical safety under occlusal loading. METHODOLOGY: Three-dimensional finite element models were generated for maxillary central incisors with all-ceramic crown restorations. The labiolingual diameters of the tooth, defined as the horizontal distance between the protrusion of the labial and lingual surfaces, were changed as follows: (D1) 6.85 mm, (D2) 6.35 mm, and (D3) 5.85 mm. The model was constructed as follows: (S0) vital pulp tooth; (S1) ET tooth; (S2) ET tooth with a 2 mm ferrule, restored with a fiber post and composite resin core; (S3) ET tooth without a ferrule, restored with a fiber post and composite resin core. A total of 12 models were developed. In total, two force loads (100 N) were applied to the crown's incisal edge and palatal surface at a 45° oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the teeth. The Von Mises stress distribution and maximum stress of the models were analyzed. RESULTS: Regardless of the loading location, stress concentration and maximum stress (34.07~66.78MPa) in all models occurred in the labial cervical 1/3 of each root. Both labiolingual diameter and construction influenced the maximum stress of the residual tooth tissue, with the impact of the labiolingual diameter being greater. A reduction in labiolingual diameter led to increased maximum stress throughout the tooth. The ferrule reduced the maximum stress of the core of S2 models (7.15~10.69 MPa), which is lower compared with that of S3 models (19.45~43.67 MPa). CONCLUSION: The labiolingual diameter exerts a greater impact on the biomechanical characteristics of ET anterior teeth with crown restoration, surpassing the influence of the construction. The ferrule can reduce the maximum stress of the core and maintain the uniformity of stress distribution.

Functional adaptation of the infant craniofacial system to mechanical loadings arising from masticatory forces.

The morphology and biomechanics of infant crania undergo significant changes between the pre- and post-weaning phases due to increasing loading of the masticatory system. The aims of this study were to characterize the changes in muscle forces, bite forces and the pattern of mechanical strain and stress arising from the aforementioned forces across crania in the first 48 months of life using imaging and finite element methods. A total of 51 head computed tomography scans of normal individuals were collected and analysed from a larger database of 217 individuals. The estimated mean muscle forces of temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid increase from 30.9 to 87.0 N, 25.6 to 69.6 N and 23.1 to 58.9 N, respectively (0-48 months). Maximum bite force increases from 90.5 to 184.2 N (3-48 months). There is a change in the pattern of strain and stress from the calvaria to the face during postnatal development. Overall, this study highlights the changes in the mechanics of the craniofacial system during normal development. It further raises questions as to how and what level of changes in the mechanical forces during the development can alter the morphology of the craniofacial system.

Tradeoffs between bite force and gape in Eulemur and Varecia.

In 1974, Sue Herring described the relationship between two important performance variables in the feeding system, bite force and gape. These variables are inversely related, such that, without specific muscular adaptations, most animals cannot produce high bite forces at large gapes for a given sized muscle. Despite the importance of these variables for feeding biomechanics and functional ecology, the paucity of in vivo bite force data in primates has led to bite forces largely being estimated through ex vivo methods. Here, we quantify and compare in vivo bite forces and gapes with output from simulated musculoskeletal models in two craniofacially distinct strepsirrhines: Eulemur, which has a shorter jaw and slower chewing cycle durations relative to jaw length and body mass compared to Varecia. Bite forces were collected across a range of linear gapes from 16 adult lemurs (suborder Strepsirrhini) at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina representing three species: Eulemur flavifrons (n = 6; 3F, 3M), Varecia variegata (n = 5; 3F, 2M), and Varecia rubra (n = 5; 5F). Maximum linear and angular gapes were significantly higher for Varecia compared to Eulemur (p = .01) but there were no significant differences in recorded maximum in vivo bite forces (p = .88). Simulated muscle models using architectural data for these taxa suggest this approach is an accurate method of estimating bite force-gape tradeoffs in addition to variables such as fiber length, fiber operating range, and gapes associated with maximum force. Our in vivo and modeling data suggest Varecia has reduced bite force capacities in favor of absolutely wider gapes compared to Eulemur in relation to their longer jaws. Importantly, our comparisons validate the simulated muscle approach for estimating bite force as a function of gape in extant and fossil primates.

Biomechanics of biting in loggerhead shrikes: jaw-closing force, velocity and an argument for power.

Differences in the physical and behavioral attributes of prey are likely to impose disparate demands of force and speed on the jaws of a predator. Because of biomechanical trade-offs between force and speed, this presents an interesting conundrum for predators of diverse prey types. Loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) are medium-sized (∼50 g) passeriform birds that dispatch and feed on a variety of arthropod and vertebrate prey, primarily using their beaks. We used high-speed video of shrikes biting a force transducer in lateral view to obtain corresponding measurements of bite force, upper and lower bill linear and angular displacements, and velocities. Our results show that upper bill depression (about the craniofacial hinge) is more highly correlated with bite force, whereas lower bill elevation is more highly correlated with jaw-closing velocity. These results suggest that the upper and lower jaws might play different roles for generating force and speed (respectively) in these and perhaps other birds as well. We hypothesize that a division of labor between the jaws may allow shrikes to capitalize on elements of force and speed without compromising performance. As expected on theoretical grounds, bite force trades-off against jaw-closing velocity during the act of biting, although peak bite force and jaw-closing velocity across individual shrikes show no clear signs of a force-velocity trade-off. As a result, shrikes appear to bite with jaw-closing velocities and forces that maximize biting power, which may be selectively advantageous for predators of diverse prey that require both jaw-closing force and speed.

A finite element analysis of periodontal ligament fluid mechanics response to occlusal loading based on hydro-mechanical coupling model.

OBJECTIVE: Considering fluid stimulation is one of the essential biomechanical signals for periodontal tissues, this study aims to characterizing fluid mechanics response during occlusal loading by a hydro-mechanical coupling model for periodontal ligament. DESIGN: Models simulating periodontium with normal bone height and with intraosseous defects were built with three mechanical modules: tooth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Tooth was modeled as linear elastic, and periodontal ligament and alveolar bone as a hydro-mechanical coupling model. Transient analyses under dynamic occlusal loading were performed. Fluid dynamics within periodontal ligament space was simulated and visualized by post-processing module. RESULTS: Reciprocating oscillatory flow occurred within the periodontal ligament under occlusal loading. Higher pore pressure and fluid velocity were observed in furcation and apical regions compared to mid-root and cervical regions. Intraosseous defects increased pore pressure and fluid velocity within the periodontal ligament, most significantly near the defect. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the hydro-mechanical coupling model, significant oscillatory fluid motion is observed within the periodontal ligament under occlusal loading. Particularly, higher fluid velocity is evident in the furcation and apical areas. Additionally, Intraosseous defects significantly enhance fluid motion within the periodontal ligament.

Relationship between bite force, occlusal contact area, and three-dimensional facial soft tissue in dentofacial deformities.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional facial soft tissue dimensions, maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area in patients with DFD. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between MBF and the three-dimensional facial measurements. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with skeletal Class III DFD and 20 patients with Class II DFD underwent a soft tissue evaluation using surface laser scanning, as well as MBF and occlusal contact area assessments. The DFD groups were compared with each other and with 25 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significant morphological differences were found in the transversal, vertical, and anteroposterior dimensions between Class II DFD and Class III DFD. Both DFD groups presented an increased linear distance of chin height, which was strongly related with decreased MBF magnitude. The DFD groups exhibited lower MBF and occlusal contact area, with no significant differences between Class II and Class III DFD. CONCLUSION: The presence of DFD affected 3D measurements of facial soft tissue, causing variations beyond normal limits, lower MBF, and occlusal contact area in both Class II and Class III DFD patients. The vertical dimension might have influenced the lower MBF magnitude in the studied skeletal deformities.

Chewing asymmetry in dogs: Exploring the importance of the fossa masseterica and first molar teeth morphology.

Dogs are animals with strong bite force. This strong bite mechanism has led to significant changes in the skeletal system such as fossa masseterica. It can be thought that one side is used more than the other side in chewing and is related to the preference of using the same side's hand, eye and foot. In the study, directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry, which occurs as a result of chewing asymmetry, were examined on the first molar teeth and the fossa masseterica in 85 dog mandibles including a wide diversity of morphotypes. The association of high PC1 values for directional asymmetry with a pronounced cranial index, as evident in breeds like Pekingese, Pomeranian and Bulldog, indicates a potential evolutionary or selective breeding trend favouring brachycephaly. On the contrary, guardian breeds like the German shepherd and Bernese mountain dog, which typically require strong jaws for their roles, showcased reduced PC1 values, which might be related to their functional morphology. Similarly, the PCA results for the first molar teeth shape variations also highlighted the influence of cranial shape, with boxer dogs displaying notably higher PC1 values. The fluctuating asymmetrical distributions provided valuable insights into individualistic variations. Interestingly, no specific breed distribution trend was observed for these asymmetries, indicating a more individual-based variation rather than breed-based. It is essential to note that while these results provide valuable insights, further studies are required to understand the underlying causes better. Factors like genetic variations, developmental processes, dietary habits and external environmental factors could play pivotal roles in these observed morphological differences.

Analysis of prefabricated myofunctional appliances with different overjet and bumper designs: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prefabricated myofunctional appliance can guide tooth eruption, improve dentition alignment, correct myofunctional disorders and harmful oral habits. However, its application to skeletal discrepancy may result in unsatisfactory tooth inclination. This study aimed to construct a novel appliance with overjet design to avoid this side effect and investigated its shape and mechanical changes under occlusion using three-dimensional finite element method. METHODS: We established three samples of prefabricated myofunctional appliances. The first one was edge to edge without overjet, and the outer shield of both jaws were flattened. The second one was 3 mm overjet with stepped the outer shield. The last one was 3 mm overjet, and the outer shield of both jaws were flatted, which meant the front wall of lower jaw was strengthened with bumper, termed as lower bumper. A complete dentition model was applied to the study. 150 N occlusal force was applied to each type of appliance and the deformation displacement and the changes in stress was recorded. RESULTS: The deformation was significant in the incisors regions, especially in the vertical and lateral dimensions. The maximum displacements of 3 mm overjet with step shield group were 7.08 mm (vertical), 3.99 mm (lateral), and 2.90 mm (sagittal), while it decreased to 3.92 mm(vertical), 1.94 mm (lateral), and 1.55 mm (sagittal) in overjet with bumper group. Moreover, the upper molar regions exhibited higher vertical and sagittal displacement in 3 mm overjet with step shield group, which were 3.03 mm (vertical) and 1.99 mm (sagittal), and the bumper design could decrease the maximum displacement to 1.72 mm (vertical) and 0.72 mm (sagittal). In addition, the Von Mises stress of appliances was analyzed, and results indicated that 3 mm overjet with step shield generated higher stress than other groups, with the maximum Von Mises stress was 0.9387 MP, which were 0.5858 and 0.5657 MP in edge to edge group and 3 mm overjet with lower bumper group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prefabricated myofunctional appliances may cause deformation during occlusion. Compared to step shield group, the application of lower bumper exhibited better resistance to occlusal force.

Occlusal changes on implant-supported single crowns with one year follow-up after loading: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluated the occlusal changes after loading with implant-supported single crowns. SOURCES: An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library for randomized (RCTs) or non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs), with a minimum of 10 patients. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting the occlusal force changes on implant-supported single crowns - with natural teeth as antagonist - measured at baseline and after loading periods were included. 4 CCTs including 133 ISCs in posterior sites were included for meta-analysis. All analyzed ISCs had no contact at a light bite and a light contact at a heavy bite in MIP at loading (baseline). DATA: The relative occlusal forces (ROFs) of each implant-supported single crown (ISC) or control tooth (CT) were extracted. ROFs were defined as percentage of the total occlusal force of the entire dentition at maximum intercuspal position (MIP). A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the ROF changes at different follow-up periods and the weighted mean differences in ROF between ISCs and CTs were pooled and analyzed. The amount of change in ROF was significantly lower in 6 to 12 months after loading comparing the follow-up period between baseline and 6 month (p < 0.05). At baseline and 3-month follow-up, CTs presented significant higher ROF than ISCs (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found after half year following. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the ROF changes significantly over time after loading of ISCs. It might prove that the occlusal concept defined at the time of prosthetic delivery changes or adapts naturally over time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The function of specific implant occlusal concept (no contact at a light bite and a light contact at a heavy bite in MIP) is limited over time and careful monitoring and occlusal adjustments should be recommendable during the first-year follow-up.

Occlusal considerations in maintaining health of implants and their restorations.

Dental implants are a regular feature in daily clinical practice and there is a need to undertake routine assessment and maintenance of implants and their restorations on par with that provided for natural teeth. Occlusal checks form an important part of the maintenance regime for preserving the integrity of implants, their restorations, and health of the peri-implant tissues. Implant restorations are subjected to the full characteristics and magnitude of occlusal forces, including those associated with parafunction. Compared with the periodontal ligament around teeth, the biophysical response to occlusal forces of osseointegration is different through the more rigid link of implant to bone and reduced proprioception. Risks attributable to occlusal forces primarily affect implant restorations and they are elevated in the presence of bruxism. The occlusal guidelines recommended by the literature are aimed at reducing these risks and regular assessment and maintenance of the occlusion is essential. A four-step sequence is presented to ensure that the annual occlusal checks include the patient's input and evaluation of restoration integrity, occlusal scheme, additional protection, and spatial changes.

A Novel Mechanism of MSCs Responding to Occlusal Force for Bone Homeostasis.

Alveolar bone, as tooth-supporting bone for mastication, is sensitive to occlusal force. However, the mechanism of alveolar bone loss after losing occlusal force remains unclear. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of nonhematopoietic (CD45-) cells in mouse alveolar bone after removing the occlusal force. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial cell (EC) subsets were significantly decreased in frequency, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The osteogenic and proangiogenic abilities of MSCs were impaired, and the expression of mechanotransducers yes associated protein 1 (Yap) and WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (Taz) in MSCs decreased. Conditional deletion of Yap and Taz from LepR+ cells, which are enriched in MSCs that are important for adult bone homeostasis, significantly decreased alveolar bone mass and resisted any further changes in bone mass induced by occlusal force changes. Interestingly, LepR-Cre; Yapf/f; Tazf/f mice showed a decrease in CD31hi endomucin (Emcn)hi endothelium, and the expression of some EC-derived signals acting on osteoblastic cells was inhibited in alveolar bone. Mechanistically, conditional deletion of Yap and Taz in LepR+ cells inhibited the secretion of pleiotrophin (Ptn), which impaired the proangiogenic capacity of LepR+ cells. Knockdown in MSC-derived Ptn repressed human umbilical vein EC tube formation in vitro. More important, administration of recombinant PTN locally recovered the frequency of CD31hiEmcnhi endothelium and rescued the low bone mass phenotype of LepR-Cre; Yapf/f; Tazf/f mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that occlusal force governs MSC-regulated endothelium to maintain alveolar bone homeostasis through the Yap/Taz/Ptn axis, providing a reference for further understanding of the relationship between dysfunction and bone homeostasis.

To what extent can mastication functionality be restored following mandibular reconstruction surgery? A computer modeling approach.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Advanced cases of head and neck cancer involving the mandible often require surgical removal of diseased sections and subsequent replacement with donor bone. During the procedure, the surgeon must make decisions regarding which bones or tissues to resect. This requires balancing tradeoffs related to issues such as surgical access and post-operative function; however, the latter is often difficult to predict, especially given that long-term functionality also depends on the impact of post-operative rehabilitation programs. PURPOSE: To assist in surgical decision-making, we present an approach for estimating the effects of reconstruction on key aspects of post-operative mandible function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We develop dynamic biomechanical models of the reconstructed mandible considering different defect types and validate them using literature data. We use these models to estimate the degree of functionality that might be achieved following post-operative rehabilitation. RESULTS: We find significant potential for restoring mandibular functionality, even in cases involving large defects. This entails an average trajectory error below 2 mm, bite force comparable to a healthy individual, improved condyle mobility, and a muscle activation change capped at a maximum of 20%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest significant potential for adaptability in the masticatory system and improved post-operative rehabilitation, leading to greater restoration of jaw function.

Unexpectedly uneven distribution of functional trade-offs explains cranial morphological diversity in carnivores.

Functional trade-offs can affect patterns of morphological and ecological evolution as well as the magnitude of morphological changes through evolutionary time. Using morpho-functional landscape modelling on the cranium of 132 carnivore species, we focused on the macroevolutionary effects of the trade-off between bite force and bite velocity. Here, we show that rates of evolution in form (morphology) are decoupled from rates of evolution in function. Further, we found theoretical morphologies optimising for velocity to be more diverse, while a much smaller phenotypic space was occupied by shapes optimising force. This pattern of differential representation of different functions in theoretical morphological space was highly correlated with patterns of actual morphological disparity. We hypothesise that many-to-one mapping of cranium shape on function may prevent the detection of direct relationships between form and function. As comparatively only few morphologies optimise bite force, species optimising this function may be less abundant because they are less likely to evolve. This, in turn, may explain why certain clades are less variable than others. Given the ubiquity of functional trade-offs in biological systems, these patterns may be general and may help to explain the unevenness of morphological and functional diversity across the tree of life.

Decreased oral function in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia.

AIM: Oral function in patients with schizophrenia has not been well-characterized. To address this, we performed a cross-sectional study of oral function in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: We measured oral function, including occlusal force, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, and masticatory function in 130 Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia. We then compared the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction among 63 non-elderly and 67 elderly inpatients with schizophrenia, as well as data from 98 elderly control participants from a previous Japanese study. RESULTS: The frequency of reduced occlusal force was significantly higher in the elderly inpatients (76.2%) than in the non-elderly inpatients (43.9%) and elderly controls (43.9%). The frequency of decreased tongue-lip motor function in non-elderly inpatients (96.8%) and elderly inpatients (97.0%) was significantly higher than that in elderly controls (56.1%). The frequency of decreased tongue pressure in non-elderly inpatients (66.1%) and elderly inpatients (80.7%) was significantly higher than that in elderly controls (43.9%). Finally, the frequency of decreased masticatory function was highest in elderly inpatients (76.5%), followed by non-elderly inpatients (54.8%) and elderly controls (15.3%). CONCLUSION: Oral function was decreased in both non-elderly and elderly Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia compared with elderly controls.

Relationship between texture perception and oral function: A preliminary study in young, healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Oral frailty, characterised by reduced oral function, is associated with systemic health issues in older adults. Although the criteria for diminished oral function often focus on motor and secretory abilities, texture perception also plays a crucial role in health due to its impact on food intake and palatability. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between thickness discrimination ability (TDA) and oral motor and secretory functions in healthy young individuals. METHODS: Twenty-eight adults were assessed for texture perception using eight concentrations of aqueous xanthan gum solutions to determine TDA scores. Measurements of occlusal force, masticatory performance, tongue pressure, stimulated salivary flow rate and tongue-lip motor function were conducted. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between TDA scores and oral functions. Participants were divided into high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity groups based on their TDA scores to compare oral function test results. RESULTS: The TDA scores varied among the participants, with higher scores correlating with higher masticatory performance (r = 0.41, p < .05). Masticatory performance in the high-sensitivity group was significantly higher than in the low-sensitivity group (211.9 ± 59.2 mg/dL vs. 157.9 ± 43.0 mg/dL, p = .013), with no significant differences in other oral functions. CONCLUSION: Masticatory performance was correlated with TDA, suggesting a link between the selection function of mastication and thickness discrimination. These findings highlight the potential relevance of texture perception in oral function and indicate the need for further exploration, particularly in older adults with declining oral health.