A novel human single-domain antibody-drug conjugate targeting CEACAM5 exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity.

Leveraging the specificity of antibody to deliver cytotoxic agent into tumor, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have become one of the hotspots in the development of anticancer therapies. Although significant progress has been achieved, there remain challenges to overcome, including limited penetration into solid tumors and potential immunogenicity. Fully human single-domain antibodies (UdAbs), with their small size and human nature, represent a promising approach for addressing these challenges. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is a glycosylated cell surface protein that rarely expressed in normal adult tissues but overexpressed in diverse cancers, taking part in tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of UdADC targeting CEACAM5. We performed biopanning in our library and obtained an antibody candidate B9, which bound potently and specifically to CEACAM5 protein (KD = 4.84 nM) and possessed excellent biophysical properties (low aggregation tendency, high homogeneity, and thermal stability). The conjugation of B9 with a potent cytotoxic agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), exhibited superior antitumor efficacy against CEACAM5-expressing human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45, human pancreatic carcinoma cell line BxPC-3 and human colorectal cancer cell line LS174T with IC50 values of 38.14, 25.60, and 101.4 nM, respectively. In BxPC-3 and MKN-45 xenograft mice, administration of UdADC B9-MMAE (5 mg/kg, i.v.) every 2 days for 4 times markedly inhibited the tumor growth without significant change in body weight. This study may have significant implications for the design of next-generation ADCs.

Clinical outcomes of arch expansion with Invisalign: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the scientific evidence regarding the clinical outcomes of Invisalign therapy in controlling orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus from November 2015 to November 2022 to identify relevant articles. Methodological shortcomings were highlighted, and an evaluation of the quality of the included studies was completed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. RESULTS: Fifteen non-randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Most non-randomized controlled trials (n=11; 73%) were rated with a moderate risk of bias according to the ROBINS-I tool. There were statistically significant differences between the pretreatment and posttreatment arches. The average expansion was significantly different from that predicted for each type of tooth in both the maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, the efficiency decreased from the anterior area to the posterior area in the upper arch. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that arch expansion with Invisalign® is not entirely predictable, clear aligner treatment is a viable option for addressing dentition crowding. The efficacy of expansion is greatest in the premolar area. More research focusing on treatment outcomes with different materials of aligners should be conducted in the future. Overcorrection should be considered when planning arch expansion with Invisalign. In the maxilla, the expansion rate decreases from the anterior to the posterior, and presetting sufficient buccal root torque of posterior teeth may result in improved efficiency of expansion.

Large area MCP-PMT design with good time performance.

A new large area photomultiplier tube based on the microchannel plates (MCP-PMT) with high collection efficiency (CE) and good time performance is proposed in this paper. A novel focusing system with two cylindrical and a conical barrels is designed to generate the accelerating and focusing electric field. A three-dimensional model is developed by CST Studio Suite to validate its feasibility. Finite Integral Technique and Monte Carlo method are combined to simulate the process. Results predict that CE of the novel MCP-PMT is expected to be 100%. TTS of the photoelectrons from the whole photocathode achieves 1.2 ns. Differ from other large area PMTs, it performs well in the geomagnetic field.

Evaluation of the Hepatotoxicity of the Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po Decoction by Combining UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS-Based Metabolomics and HPLC-MS/MS-Based Geniposide Tissue Distribution.

With traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) becoming widespread globally, its safety has increasingly become a concern, especially its hepatoxicity. For example, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is a key ingredient in the Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHPD), which is a commonly-used clinically combined prescription of TCM that may induce hepatoxicity. However, the underlying toxicity mechanism of ZZHPD is not fully understood. In this study, a plasma metabolomics strategy was used to investigate the mechanism of ZZHPD-induced hepatotoxicity through profiling entire endogenous metabolites. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups, which were orally administered with 0.9% saline, as well as 2.7 g/kg/day, 8.1 g/kg/day, or 27 g/kg/day of ZZHPD for 30 consecutive days, respectively. Biochemical assay and metabolomics assay were used to detect serum and plasma samples, whilst histopathological assay was used for detecting liver tissues, and the geniposide distribution in tissues was simultaneously measured. The results showed that the concentration of 20 metabolites linked to amino acid, lipid, and bile acid metabolism had significant changes in the ZZHPD-treated rats. Moreover, toxic effects were aggravated with serum biochemical and histopathological examines in liver tissues as the dosage increased, which may be associated with the accumulation of geniposide in the liver as the dosage increased. Notably, our findings also demonstrated that the combined metabolomics strategy with tissue distribution had significant potential for elucidating the mechanistic complexity of the toxicity of TCM.

Psychological well-being, dental esthetics, and psychosocial impacts in adolescent orthodontic patients: A prospective longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the role of adolescent orthodontic patients' psychological well-being attributes (self-esteem, general body image, and positive and negative affects) and the clinical indicators of dental esthetics (orthodontists' ratings on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Aesthetic Component [IOTN-AC]), and their changes from pretreatment to posttreatment as predictors of the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics. METHODS: In this prospective longitudinal study, 1090 adolescent orthodontic patients seeking treatment at the Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China (mean age, 14.25 years; SD, 2.03 years) were assessed before treatment, and 68.99% (n = 752) were assessed after treatment. All subjects completed a questionnaire measuring psychological well-being attributes and 3 components of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (perceptive, cognitive-affective, and social-functional). Clinical indicators of dental esthetics were measured by 3 orthodontists using the IOTN-AC. RESULTS: Substantial enhancement from pretreatment to posttreatment was found in all 3 Psychosocial Impacts of Dental Aesthetics components, confirming the positive effects of orthodontic treatment on oral health-related quality of life. Psychosocial impact of dental esthetics at baseline and improvement from pretreatment to posttreatment were found to be predicted by the patients' psychological well-being attributes (self-esteem, general body image, and negative affect) and the clinical indicators (orthodontists' rating on the IOTN-AC) at baseline, as well as their pretreatment to posttreatment change. Psychological well-being attributes had comparable or greater contribution to the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics at baseline as well as greater improvement after treatment than the clinical indicators. These biopsychological models explained 29% to 43% of the variances in psychosocial impacts of dental esthetics outcome at baseline and about 33% of the variance in pretreatment to posttreatment improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a biopsychological model for understanding the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics and its improvement after orthodontic treatment among adolescent orthodontic patients. The findings highlight the importance of psychological parameters in orthodontic research and clinical practice.

Clinical and epidemiological profiles of lower respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children due to human bocavirus in a subtropical area of China.

Lower respiratory tract infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Human bocavirus (HBoV) is confirmed to have an association with pediatric lower respiratory tract infection. Seasonal and meteorological factors may play a key role in the epidemiology of HBoV. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency, season, and clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with HBoV infection. In addition, an evaluation of the effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of HBoV in a subtropical area in China will be conducted. Children were <14 years in age and hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infection between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012 in the Respiratory Disease Department at the Children's Hospital affiliated to Soochow University. Multi-pathogens were detected in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples. The association between HBoV activity and regional meteorological conditions was analyzed. The average incidence of HBoV infection was 6.6% (502/7,626). Of the 502 HBoV positive children, the median age was 13 months (range 1-156 months). The HBoV infection rate was highest among the 7-12 months groups (12.9%, 163/1,267). Seasonal distribution of HBoV was noted during June to November, especially during the summer season (June to August). HBoV activity was associated with temperature and humidity although the lag effect between temperature and HBoV activity observed. HBoV is one of the most common viral pathogens in children with lower respiratory tract infection. HBoV infection occurs throughout the year with a peak during the summer. Temperature and humidity may affect the incidence of HBoV.

Mitigating soil nitrification and greenhouse gas emissions in non-paddy cropping systems by micro-molar hydrogen peroxide.

Non-paddy cropping systems play a significant role in food production. However, excessive nitrogen loss from non-paddy soils through nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilization poses a significant challenge to environmental sustainability. In this study, microcosm and field-scale experiments were conducted to explore the potential for using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mitigate nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions, aiming at filling gaps in knowledge regarding the underlying biochemical mechanisms. The results show that input of micromolar H2O2 from either artificial addition or natural rainwater into soils in the presence of magnetite (Fe3O4) could trigger Fenton-like reaction, which inhibited microbially mediated nitrification of soil-borne ammonium but did not affect the growth of the test crop plant (water spinach). In the absence of Fe3O4, input of rainwater-borne H2O2 into non-paddy soils caused reduction in the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). There was a trend showing that the degree of reduction in N2O and CO2 fluxes increased with increasing concentration of rainwater-borne H2O2. It was likely that microbially mediated reduction of iron oxides took place during rainfall events, providing Fe(II) that is needed for reaction with rainwater-borne H2O2, triggering Fenton-like reaction to inhibit the soil microbes that mediate production of N2O and CO2 in the soils. The findings obtained from this study have implications for developing strategies to manage soil­nitrogen to minimize its environmental impacts.

[The relationship between centric relation-maximum intercuspation disharmony and temporomandibular dysfunction in class II patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the degree of displacement of centric relation-maximum intercuspation (CR-MI) and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in Class II patients. METHODS: The questionnaire and clinical examination were administered in 107 Class II patients and students, using the Helkimo index (Di and Ai). The differences in condylar position between CR and MI in all three spatial planes were measured using the Condyle Position Indication (CPI). RESULTS: Di positively correlated with degree of CR-MI displacement in all five displacement (P < 0.05), while Ai positively correlated with degree of CR-MI displacement except horizontal displacement. Di and Ai significantly correlated with degree of CR-MI discrepancy in all five displacement (P < 0.05); With the increasing of Di and Ai rank, the degree of CR-MI displacement and CR-MI discrepancy increased. Also, symptoms of TMD were significantly correlated with the degree of CR-MI displacement and CR-MI discrepancy except horizontal displacement (P < 0.05). Severer CR-MI displacement and CR-MI discrepancy were observed in patients who had TMD symptoms. CONCLUSION: In Class II patients, degree of CR-MI displacement is an important factor of TMD, and correlated with the severity of TMD.

A new large area MCP-PMT for high energy detection.

20-inch Large area photomultiplier tube based on microchannel plate (MCP-PMT) is newly developed in China. It is widely used in high energy detection experiments such as Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), China JinPing underground Laboratory (CJPL) and Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). To overcome the poor time performance of the existing MCP-PMT, a new design of large area MCP-PMT is proposed in this paper. Three-dimensional models are developed in CST Studio Suite to validate its feasibility. Effects of the size and bias voltage of the focusing electrodes and MCP configuration on the collection efficiency (CE) and time performance are studied in detail using the finite integral technique and Monte Carlo method. Based on the simulation results, the optimized operating and geometry parameters are chosen. Results show that the mean ratio of photoelectrons landing on the MCP active area is 97.5%. The acceptance fraction of the impinging photoelectrons is close to 100% due to the emission of multiple secondary electrons when hitting the MCP top surface. The mean transit time spread (TTS) of the photoelectrons from the photocathode is 1.48 ns.

Mathematical modeling and stability analysis of macrophage activation in left ventricular remodeling post-myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: About 6 million Americans suffer from heart failure and 70% of heart failure cases are caused by myocardial infarction (MI). Following myocardial infarction, increased cytokines induce two major types of macrophages: classically activated macrophages which contribute to extracellular matrix destruction and alternatively activated macrophages which contribute to extracellular matrix construction. Though experimental results have shown the transitions between these two types of macrophages, little is known about the dynamic progression of macrophages activation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze macrophage activation patterns post-MI. RESULTS: We have collected experimental data from adult C57 mice and built a framework to represent the regulatory relationships among cytokines and macrophages. A set of differential equations were established to characterize the regulatory relationships for macrophage activation in the left ventricle post-MI based on the physical chemistry laws. We further validated the mathematical model by comparing our computational results with experimental results reported in the literature. By applying Lyaponuv stability analysis, the established mathematical model demonstrated global stability in homeostasis situation and bounded response to myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: We have established and validated a mathematical model for macrophage activation post-MI. The stability analysis provided a possible strategy to intervene the balance of classically and alternatively activated macrophages in this study. The results will lay a strong foundation to understand the mechanisms of left ventricular remodelling post-MI.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances bone marrow-derived stem cells-based periodontal regenerative therapies.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar bone loss is one of the most common consequence for periodontitis, which is a major obstacle in periodontal regeneration. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have shown significant promise in the treatment of various disease, which also contribute to the natural bone repair process. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a therapeutic ultrasound used in our previous studies to promotes alveolar bone regeneration. In addition, LIPUS was found to be a promising method to enhance mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapies. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of LIPUS combined with BMSCs therapies on BMSCs homing and its potential to promote alveolar bone regeneration. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from rat and characterized by multilineages differentiation assay. Then these cells were labeled with luciferase and green fluorescent protein (GFP) by lentivirus in vitro. Periodontal bone defect was made on the mesial area of the maxillary first molar in rats. A total of 1 × 106 Luc-GFP labeled BMSCs were injected into rat tail vein. Bioluminescence imaging was utilized to track BMSCs in vivo. The rats were sacrificed eight weeks after surgery and the samples were harvested. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was performed to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration. Paraffin sections were made and subject to hematoxylin-eosin staining, masson staining and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: BMSCs display a fibroblast-like morphology and can differentiate into adipocytes or osteoblasts under appropriate condition. The transfected BMSCs are strongly positive for GFP express. Bioluminescence imaging showed that most of BMSCs were trapped in the lung. A small portion BMSCs were homed to the alveolar bone defect area in BMSCs group, while more cells were observed in BMSCs/LIPUS group compare to other groups on day 3 and 7. Micro-CT results showed that BMSCs/LIPUS group resulted in more new bone formation than other groups. Immunohistochemical results showed higher expression of COL-I and osteopontin in BMSCs/LIPUS group compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that LIPUS can enhance BMSCs-based periodontal alveolar bone regeneration. This study provides new insights into how LIPUS might provide therapeutic benefits by promoting BMSCs homing.

[Corrigendum] Low­intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes periodontal ligament stem cell migration through TWIST1­mediated SDF­1 expression.

Subsequently to the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that the 'Control' and 'AMD3100' panels in Fig. 3B on p. 326 appeared to show strikingly similar data, such that they may have been derived from the same original source; likewise, the 'Control' and 'Scramble' data panels in the 'Untreated' row of data panels in Fig. 5B on p. 327 also appeared to share some of the same data. The authors have re­examined their data, and realized that a pair of the data panels included in these figures were inadvertently selected incorrectly. The corrected versions of Figs. 3 and 5, containing the correct data for the 'Control' panel in Fig. 3B and the 'Control' panel for the 'Untreated' experiments in Fig. 5B, are shown on the next page. These errors did not affect the major conclusions reported in the paper. All the authors have agreed to this Corrigendum, and thank the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine for allowing them the opportunity to publish this. The authors regret these errors went unnoticed during the compilation of the figures in question, and apologize to the readership for any confusion that this may have caused. [the original article was published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 322­330, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3592].

Optimization design of the large area Dynode-MCP-PMT.

The optimization work of a newly proposed 20-in. photomultiplier tube based on dynode and microchannel plates (Dynode-MCP-PMT) are conducted in this paper. Three-dimensional models are developed in CST STUDIO SUITE to systematically investigate the effects of the size and bias voltage of the two focusing electrodes, dynode and the glass envelop handle based on the Finite Integral Technique and Monte Carlo method. Results predict that the collection efficiency and the transit time spread of the optimized design are substantially improved which are 100% and 3.7 ns.

Angular photogrammetric comparison of the soft-tissue facial profile of Kenyans and Chinese.

The purpose of this study was to determine the average angular dimensions that define the normal soft-tissue facial profiles of black Kenyans and Chinese and compare them with each other and with values proposed for whites. Standardized facial profile photographs, taken in natural head position, of 177 black Kenyans and 156 Chinese with normal occlusion and well-balanced faces were analyzed for 12 angular parameters. Two-sample t-tests were used to determine sex and racial differences. Kenyan and Chinese averages were compared with proposed white values using 1-sample t-tests. Eight parameters in Kenyans and 7 in Chinese showed sex differences. All angles, except for facial convexity, nasal dorsum, and inferior facial height, were different between Kenyans and Chinese. Kenyan and Chinese averages for all parameters were different from proposed white average, except for facial convexity. Nasolabial and mentolabial angles showed large individual variability and racial differences. The study demonstrated many differences in average angular measurements of the facial profiles of black Kenyans, Chinese, and white standards. Orthodontists, maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, and other clinicians working in the craniofacial region should bear these in mind when setting aesthetic treatment goals for patients of different races. Mean values from this study can be used for comparison with similar records of subjects with same ethnicity.

Efficacy of glycine powder air-polishing in supportive periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of glycine powder air-polishing (GPAP) in patients during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) compared to hand instrumentation and ultrasonic scaling. METHODS: The authors searched for randomized clinical trials in 8 electronic databases for relevant studies through November 15, 2019. The eligibility criteria were as follows: population, patients with chronic periodontitis undergoing SPT; intervention and comparison, patients treated by GPAP with a standard/nozzle type jet or mechanical instrumentation; and outcomes, bleeding on probing (BOP), patient discomfort/pain (assessed by a visual analogue scale [VAS]), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (Rec), plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival epithelium score, and subgingival bacteria count. After extracting the data and assessing the risk of bias, the authors performed the meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 17 studies were included in this study. The difference of means for BOP in patients who received GPAP was lower (difference of means: -8.02%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.10% to -3.95%; P<0.00001; I²=10%) than that in patients treated with hand instrumentation. The results of patient discomfort/pain measured by a VAS (difference of means: -1.48, 95% CI, -1.90 to -1.06; P<0.001; I²=83%) indicated that treatment with GPAP might be less painful than ultrasonic scaling. The results of PD, Rec, PI, and CAL showed that GPAP had no advantage over hand instrumentation or ultrasonic scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that GPAP may alleviate gingival inflammation more effectively and be less painful than traditional methods, which makes it a promising alternative for dental clinical use. With regards to PD, Rec, PI, and CAL, there was insufficient evidence to support a difference among GPAP, hand instrumentation, and ultrasonic scaling. Higher-quality studies are still needed to assess the effects of GPAP.

[Safe zones of the maxillary posterior area for mini-implant insertion in adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusion].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the interradicular spaces between the maxillary second premolar and first molar in adolescents with skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion, so as to obtain scientific knowledge for placing mini-implants. METHODS： Forty four cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) images were selected, which consisted of 23 males and 21 females (average age, 14.07 years) with skeletal Class II malocclusion. CBCT was used to measure the closest interradicular distance and the shortest distance from cortical bone surface to the narrowest interradicular space apically at 1-mm intervals in 9 axial images from the cementoenamel junction(CEJ). SPSS 20.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the closest interradicular distance and the shortest distance from cortical bone surface to the narrowest interradicular space between the left and right side (P>0.05), and no significant difference was found between males and females (P>0.05); The shortest distance from cortical bone surface to the narrowest interradicular space of the left apical area had positive correlation with SNA angle; The closest interradicular distance became wider toward the apical area，and the average distance of the shortest distance from cortical bone surface to the narrowest interradicular space was over 5mm in all sections. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of interradicular spaces between the maxillary second premolar and first molar of adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusion is learned using CBCT. These data might provide a reference for placing mini-implants.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes alveolar bone regeneration in a periodontal injury model.

Periodontitis is a common oral disease characterized by progressive destruction of periodontal tissue and loss of teeth. However, regeneration of periodontal tissue is a time-consuming process. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a widely used non-invasive intervention for enhancing bone healing in fractures and non-unions. With the hypothesis that LIPUS may accelerate periodontal regeneration, the effects of LIPUS on periodontal tissue regeneration were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. LIPUS (90 mw/cm2, 20 min/d, 1.5 MHz) was applied to stimulate dog periodontal ligament cells (dPDLCS). The mRNA expression of BSP (P < 0.05), OPN (P < 0.05) and COL3 (P < 0.05) was increased significantly in the LIPUS group. The positive stained mineralized nodules by alizarin red in the LIPUS group were greater than in the control group (P < 0.05). Eight male beagle dogs were divided into 4 groups: guided tissue regeneration (GTR) group (G1), LIPUS + GTR group (G2), LIPUS group (G3), and control group (G4, no treatment). A 4 × 5 mm2 defect was created in the buccal alveolar bone. The modeling areas in the G2 and G3 groups were then exposed to LIPUS. Eight weeks after surgery, histological assessment indicated increased periodontal tissue in the LIPUS + GTR group. Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) showed that the regenerated bone volume (BV) in the G2 was significantly higher than that in the G1, G3 and G4 groups (P < 0.05). The bone surface (BS) trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in G2 were markedly higher than in G4 (P < 0.05). It is concluded that LIPUS + GTR can accelerate new alveolar bone formation, with a prospective for promoting periodontal tissue repair.

Low­intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes periodontal ligament stem cell migration through TWIST1­mediated SDF­1 expression.

Low­intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non­invasive therapeutic treatment for accelerating fracture healing. A previous study from our group demonstrated that LIPUS has the potential to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which LIPUS promotes periodontal tissue regeneration remains unknown. In the present study, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated from premolars. Flow cytometry and differentiation assays were used to characterize the isolated PDLSCs. LIPUS treatment was administered to PDLSCs, and stromal cell­derived factor­1 (SDF­1) expression levels were examined by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction with or without blocking the SDF­1/C­X­C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathway with AMD3100. ELISA was used to evaluate SDF­1 secretion in PDLSCs. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to assess the migration­promoting effect of LIPUS. A potential upstream gene of SDF­1, twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST1), was silenced by small interfering (si) RNA transfection. The results demonstrated that LIPUS treatment promoted the expression of TWIST1 and SDF­1 at both the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, LIPUS treatment enhanced the cell migration of PDLSCs. Knockdown of TWIST1 impaired the expression of SDF­1 and the cell migration ability of PDLSCs. TWIST1 may be an upstream regulator of SDF­1 in PDLSCs. Taken together, these findings indicate that the SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway is involved in LIPUS­promoted PDLSC migration, which might be one of the mechanisms for LIPUS­mediated periodontal regeneration. TWIST1 might be a mechanical stress sensor during mechanotransduction.

Quantitative evaluation of palatal bone thickness for the placement of orthodontic miniscrews in adults with different facial types.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively evaluate palatal bone thickness in adults with different facial types using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).  Methods: The CBCT volumetric data of 123 adults (mean age, 26.8 years) collected between August  2014 and August 2016 was retrospectively studied. The subjects were divided into a low-angle group (39 subjects), a normal-angle group (48 subjects) and a high-angle group (36 subjects) based on facial types assigned by cephalometric radiography. The thickness of the palatal bone was assessed at designated points. A repeated-measure analysis of variance (rm-ANOVA) test was used to test the relationship between facial types and palatal bone thickness. Results: Compared to the low-angle group, the high-angle group had significantly thinner palatal bones (p less than 0.05), except for the anterior-midline, anterior-medial and middle-midline areas.  Conclusion: The safest zone for the placement of microimplants is the anterior part of the paramedian palate. Clinicians should pay special attention to the probability of thinner bone plates and the risk of perforation in high-angle patients.

Impact on the upper airway space of different types of orthognathic surgery for the correction of skeletal class III malocclusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at assembling, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, scientific evidence related to the effects of mandibular setback (MdS) surgery and bimaxillary surgery for the correction of Class III malocclusion on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume of the upper airway as assessed using CT. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science up to June 20, 2016. The inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies, with the aim of comparing the impact on the upper airway space of orthognathic surgery for the treatment of the skeletal class III malocclusion. The methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was chosen as the evaluation instrument and Revman5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1213 studies were retrieved, of which only 18 met the eligibility criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that the mean decrease in the upper airway volume after MdS surgery was 3.24 cm3 [95%CI (-5.25,-1.23), p = 0.85]; the mean decrease in minimum CSA after a combined surgery of maxillary advancement with mandibular setback (MdS + MxA) was 27.66 mm2 [95%CI (-52.81,-2.51), p = 0.51], but there was no significant decrease in upper airway volume (mean 0.86 cm3); comparison between MdS + MxA and isolated MdS showed significant differences in the CSA of the posterior nasal spine plane (PNS) and epiglottis plane (EP); statistically significant differences in nasopharynx volume (P < 0.0001) and upper airway total volume (P = 0.002) were observed, but no statistically meaningful variations existed in oropharynx volume (P = 0.08) and hypopharynx volume (P = 0.64). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that bimaxillary surgery promotes less decrease on the upper airway than mandibular setback surgery alone for the correction of the skeletal class III malocclusion.