Carbon dots as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer and bacterial infectious diseases: recent advances.

Carbon dots (CDs) are novel carbon-based nanomaterials that have been used as photosensitizer-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in recent years due to their good photosensitizing activity. Photosensitizers (PSs) are main components of PDT that can produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when stimulated by light source, which have the advantages of low drug resistance and high therapeutic efficiency. CDs can generate ROS efficiently under irradiation and therefore have been extensively studied in disease local phototherapy. In tumor therapy, CDs can be used as PSs or PS carriers to participate in PDT and play an extremely important role. In bacterial infectious diseases, CDs exhibit high bactericidal activity as CDs are effective in disrupting bacterial cell membranes leading to bacterial death upon photoactivation. We focus on recent advances in the therapy of cancer and bacteria with CDs, and also briefly summarize the mechanisms and requirements for PSs in PDT of cancer, bacteria and other diseases. We also discuss the role CDs play in combination therapy and the potential for future applications against other pathogens.

Impact factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus: a large-scale, multi-center observational study from China.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis hominis (Bh) is zoonotic parasitic pathogen with a high prevalent globally, causing opportunistic infections and diarrhea disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection disrupts the immune system by depleting CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+ T) cell counts, thereby increasing Bh infection risk among persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, the precise association between Bh infection risk and HIV-related biological markers and treatment processes remains poorly understood. Hence, the purpose of the study was to explore the association between Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts, HIV viral load (VL), and duration of interruption in antiviral therapy among PLWH. METHODS: A large-scale multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in China from June 2020 to December 2022. The genetic presence of Bh in fecal samples was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the CD4+ T cell counts in venous blood was measured using flowcytometry, and the HIV VL in serum was quantified using fluorescence-based instruments. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to assess the non-linear association between Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts, HIV VL, and duration of interruption in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT). RESULTS: A total of 1245 PLWH were enrolled in the study, the average age of PLWH was 43 years [interquartile range (IQR): 33, 52], with 452 (36.3%) being female, 50.4% (n = 628) had no immunosuppression (CD4+ T cell counts > 500 cells/µl), and 78.1% (n = 972) achieved full virological suppression (HIV VL < 50 copies/ml). Approximately 10.5% (n = 131) of PLWH had interruption. The prevalence of Bh was found to be 4.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-6.4%] among PLWH. Significant nonlinear associations were observed between the Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, L-shaped), HIV VL (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, inverted U-shaped), and duration of interruption in HARRT (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, inverted U-shaped). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that VL was a better predictor of Bh infection than CD4+ T cell counts. It is crucial to consider the simultaneous surveillance of HIV VL and CD4+ T cell counts in PLWH in the regions with high level of socioeconomic development. The integrated approach can offer more comprehensive and accurate understanding in the aspects of Bh infection and other opportunistic infections, the efficacy of therapeutic drugs, and the assessment of preventive and control strategies.

Evaluation of Head and Cervical Spine Posture after Therapy with Maxillary Protraction Appliances / Evaluación de la Postura de la Cabeza y la Columna Cervical Después de la Terapia con Aparatos de Protracción Maxilar

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of head and cervical spine posture of skeletal class malocclusion in adolescent with maxillary protraction. Thirty cases of skeletal class malocclusion were randomly selected from the Stomatological Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. High-quality lateral cephalograms were collected including pre- and posttreatment to compare the changes of head and cervical spine posture. Data were processed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The paired-t test was used to compare pre- and posttreatment mean angular measurements.A significant difference in the SNA(p<0.001), SNB(p<0.01), and ANB(p<0.001) between T1 and T2 showed an improvement in the sagittal relationships. A significant change was observed in middle cervical spine posture, while upper cervical spine posture variables showed no significant difference after treatment. Skeletal class with maxillary protraction appliance not only led to the improvement of sagittal relationship, but also changed the middle cervical spine posture.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical debido a la maloclusión clase esquelética en adolescentes con protracción maxilar. Treinta casos de maloclusión de clase esquelética fueron seleccionados al azar del Hospital Estomatológico de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi. Se recogieron cefalogramas laterales de alta calidad, incluidos el tratamiento previo y posterior, para comparar los cambios en la postura de la cabeza y la columna cervical. Los datos se procesaron con el software estadístico SPSS 26.0. Se utilizó la prueba t pareada para comparar las medidas angulares medias antes y después del tratamiento. Una diferencia significativa en SNA (p <0,001), SNB (p <0,01) y ANB (p <0,001) entre T1 y T2 mostró una mejora en las relaciones sagitales. Se observó un cambio significativo en la postura de la columna cervical media, mientras que las variables de postura de la columna cervical superior no mostraron diferencias significativas después del tratamiento. La clase esquelética con aparato de protracción maxilar no solo condujo a la mejora de la relación sagital, sino que también cambió la postura de la columna cervical media.

A cuproptosis-associated long non-coding RNA signature for the prognosis and immunotherapy of lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Cuproptosis, a copper-induced mechanism of mitochondrial-related cell death, has been implicated as a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer and has become a new treatment strategy. Furthermore, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can change the biological activities of tumor cells. Worldwide, lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is among the most common annoying tumors. LncRNAs related to cuproptosis are not researched at LUSC. Our research intends to develop a signature on the basis of cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs, which can predict LUSC prognosis and investigate LUSC immunological features. The TCGA database was used to retrieve LUSC transcriptome, clinical, and gene mutation data. For statistical analysis, we utilized the R program. We created a signature consisting of three cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in this investigation (including AC002467.1, LINC01740, and LINC02345). Survival analyses and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves demonstrated that this signature possessed powerful predictive capability. The signature's ability to predict was confirmed by a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and principal component analysis. Notably, the patient with a high-risk score and a high tumor mutation burden level had a lower survival time. Furthermore, the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion analysis showed that these individuals with low-risk scores may benefit from immunotherapy. The signature constructed by three cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs may be prognostic markers of LUSC. It contributes to immunotherapy and offers LUSC's therapy a new treatment direction.

Flavonoid extract Kushenol a exhibits anti-proliferative activity in breast cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: Kushenol A is natural flavonoid extract discovered in recent years, with potential anti-tumor activity. Its role in breast cancer is poorly understood. METHODS: To investigate biological function of Kushenol A in breast cancer (BC), Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, qPCR analysis, and xenograft mouse model were performed. RESULTS: We found that Kushenol A treatment reduced proliferative capability and induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of BC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, Kushenol A treatment contributed to the upregulation of apoptosis-related and cell cycle-associated genes. In nude mice, Kushenol A administration repressed BC xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistically, phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR were markedly attenuated in Kushenol A-treated BC cells; however, there were no significant differences in total AKT and mTOR expressions. Moreover, PI3K inhibitor combined with Kushenol A exhibited synergistic inhibitory activity on cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings suggested that Kushenol A suppressed BC cell proliferation by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Kushenol A may be a promising therapeutic drug for treating BC.

Correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex / Correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo

SUMMARY: To investigate the correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex. The study sample consisted of 120 students studying from Shanxi Medical University, of which 60 were females and 60 were males. The digital model of the palatal rugae was obtained by the 3 Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. And the shapes of palatal rugae were recorded. Association between palatal rugae shape and sex were tested using Chi-square analysis. And logistic regression analysis (LRA) was carried out to calculate the accuracy of gender prediction using rugae shapes. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of the distribution of wavy and circular palate rugae. The use of logistic regression analysis obtained a sex predictive value of 65 % when all the rugae shapes were analyzed. Digital images of the palatal rugae morphology contribute to more accurate and convenient for data collection and transformation. It was found that rugae patterns can moderately identify the sex of the specific population when multivariate statistics such as LRA is applied. The palatal rugae morphology can be utilized as an assistant measure for sex identification.

RESUMEN: Investigar la correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo. En la muestra de este estudio se incluyeron 120 estudiantes de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi, (60 mujeres y 60 hombres). El modelo digital de las rugas palatinas se obtuvo mediante escáner intraoral 3 Shape TRIOS, y se registraron las formas de las rugas palatinas. La asociación entre la forma de las rugas palatinas y el sexo se evaluó mediante un análisis de Chi-cuadrado; para calcular la precisión de la predicción de sexo se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística (ARL) Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres en términos de la distribución de las rugas palatinas onduladas y circulares. El uso de análisis de regresión logística obtuvo un valor predictivo de sexo del 65 % cuando se analizaron todas las formas de las rugas. Las imágenes digitales de la morfología de las rugas palatinas contribuyen a una recopilación de datos más precisa. En este análisis se determinó que los patrones de rugas pueden identificar relativamente el sexo de una población específica, cuando se aplican estadísticas multivariadas como ARL. La morfología de las rugas palatinas se puede utilizar como medida de ayuda para la identificación de sexo.

Long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS1 enhances breast cancer cell aggressiveness by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA of microRNA-215-5p to enhance SOX9 expression.

Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs play crucial functions in human cancer. However, until recently, the involvement of the lncRNA GAS6-AS1 in breast cancer (BCa) malignancy has not been studied exhaustively. The roles and underlying mode of action of GAS6-AS1 action in BCa progression were examined through functional experiments. A decline in GAS6-AS1 level led to a significant decrease in BCa cell proliferation, and the ability for colony formation. Here, GAS6-AS1 competed as endogenous RNA by sequestering microRNA-215-5p (miR-215-5p) causing an enhanced expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). The effects of silencing GAS6-AS1 on BCa malignant phenotypes could be ameliorated by inhibiting miR-215-5p or restoring SOX9. Thus, GAS6-AS1 acted as a lncRNA that drives tumor in BCa, and enabled progression of BCa through miR-215-5p /SOX9 axis regulation. These outcomes show that the GAS6-AS1/miR-215-5p/SOX9 axis is a potentially effective target for cancer treatment and management.

Morphology changes of maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy / Cambios de la morfología en la distalización de molares maxilares mediante terapia con alineadores transparentes

SUMMARY: To evaluate the skeletal, dento-alveolar and soft tissue morphology changes after maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy and identify the significant efficacy of molar distalization,18 patients in conformity with the inclusion criteria were selected. Pre- and post-treatment Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were examined to measure the angular and linear parameters. All subjects were completed non-extraction clear aligner treatment by distalizing molars. A paired-t test and independent-samples t-test were performed to observe the difference between before and after treatment and the difference between the first molar and second molar respectively. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Predicted movement rate was calculated by the formula: (actual movement(mm)/planned movement(mm)) x100%. Most variables of pre- and post-treatment showed no statistical difference(P<0.05), excepting SNA angle (P<0.05) and Upper lip/E-line linear (P<0.01) due to incisor retraction. The first and second molar revealed a translation movement without significant tipping and vertical movement. Clear aligners provided a high predictability (83.44 %) of distalization the maxillary first molar, and 85.14 % of the maxillary second molar. Clear aligners can effectively achieve distal displacement of molars.

RESUMEN: Se seleccionaron 18 pacientes, de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión, para evaluar los cambios en la morfología esquelética, dentoalveolar y de los tejidos blandos después de la distalización de los molares maxilares, mediante la terapia con alineadores transparentes e así identificar la significativa eficacia de la distalización de los molares. Se examinó a través de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) antes y después del tratamiento para medir los parámetros angulares y lineales. Todos los sujetos completaron el tratamiento con alineadores transparentes sin extracción mediante la distalización de los molares. Se realizó una prueba t pareada y una prueba t de muestras independientes para observar la diferencia entre antes y después del tratamiento y la diferencia entre el primer molar y el segundo molar, respectivamente. Los valores de p<0,05 se consideraron estadísticamente significativos. La tasa de movimiento prevista se calculó mediante la fórmula: (movimiento real (mm)/movimiento planificado (mm)) x 100 %. La mayoría de las variables de pre y postratamiento no mostraron diferencia estadística (P<0,05), excepto el ángulo SNA (P<0,05) y el labio superior/línea E lineal (P<0,01) debido a la retracción del incisivo. El primer y segundo molar revelaron un movimiento de traslación sin inclinación significativa y movimiento vertical. Los alineadores transparentes proporcionaron una alta previsibilidad (83,44 %) de la distalización del primer molar superior y del 85,14 % del segundo molar superior. Los alineadores transparentes pueden lograr efectivamente el desplazamiento distal de los molares.

HOXD Antisense Growth-Associated Long Noncoding RNA Promotes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression by Activating Wnt Signaling Pathway.

PURPOSE: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options, which has a substantial deleterious effect on patients' lives. HOXD antisense growth-associated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) (HAGLR) plays tumor-promoting roles in many cancers. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of HAGLR in TNBC. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to examine the expression of RNAs. Functional experiments were conducted to test the biological behavior of TNBC cells. Moreover, MS2-RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to verify the binding relationship between HAGLR, microRNA-143-5p (miR-143-5p), and serine- and arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1). RESULTS: HAGLR was found to be highly expressed in TNBC tissues and cells, and inhibiting HAGLR suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis in TNBC. Meanwhile, miR-93-5p was shown to bind to HAGLR and SRSF1. In addition, SRSF1 plays an oncogenic role in TNBC. Importantly, HAGLR could activate the Wnt signaling pathway by sponging miR-93-5p to upregulate SRSF1; thus, accelerating TNBC progression. CONCLUSION: HAGLR could promote the progression of TNBC through the miR-93-5p/SRSF1 axis to activate the Wnt signaling pathway.

In Situ Photo-Cross-Linking Hydrogel Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing through Restored Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-Alpha Pathway and Regulated Inflammation.

The hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1a) pathway plays a key role in regulating angiogenesis during wound healing. However, the diabetic condition hampers the stabilization of HIF-1a and thus inhibits the subsequent angiogenesis, and meanwhile, the function and phenotype transition of macrophage are impaired in the diabetic condition, which leads to prolonged and chronic inflammation. Both angiogenesis inhibition and inflammatory dysfunction make diabetic wound healing a major clinical challenge. Here, borosilicate (BS), a new group of bioceramics with a coupled network of interconnected [BO3] and [SiO4] which can incorporate therapeutic ions such as Cu2+, is synthesized and combined with silk fibroin (SF), a biocompatible natural amino acid polymer whose composition and structure are similar to a natural extracellular matrix (ECM), to obtain a compound system which can transform into a SF-MA-BS hydrogel under UV radiation via methacryloyloxy (MA) groups modified on both BS and SF. When in use, the compound system can thoroughly spread to the whole wound surface and be in situ photo-cross-linked to form an integral SF-MA-BS hydrogel that firmly adheres to the wound, protects the wound from external contamination, and further spontaneously promotes wound regeneration by releasing therapeutic ions. The wound repair of Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats shows that diabetic wound healing is obviously accelerated by SF-MA-BS, interestingly the HIF-1a pathway is restored via interaction between HIF-1a and Cu2+, and angiogenesis is therefore enhanced. Meanwhile, inflammation is well regulated by SF-MA-BS, and long-term detrimental inflammation is avoided. These findings indicate that the SF-MA-BS hydrogel regenerates diabetic wounds, and further clinical trials are anticipated.

Morphological changes of frankel functional regulator III in mixed dentition with class III malocclusion / Cambios morfológicos del regulador funcional frankel III en dentición mixta con maloclusión clase III

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hard and soft tissue profile changes following treatment of functional and mild skeletal class III malocclusion in mixed dentition by means of the Frankel functional regulator (FR-3) appliance, and to reveal the mechanism and effectiveness of treatment with FR-3 appliance. Twenty-six patients (chronological mean age, 8.7±1.4 years; mean treatment duration, 10.3±1.3 months) with functional and mild skeletal class III malocclusion were selected and treated with FR-3 appliances. Lateral cephalogram was taken pre- and post-treatment, and the data was analyzed by paired-samples t test with SPSS22.0 software package. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. The results demonstrated that the FR-3 appliance produced a statistically significant decrease in L1-NB, L1-MP, U1-L1 (P<0.01) and an increase greatly in ANB, MP-FH, Y axis, ANSMe, ANS-Me/N-Me and overjet (P<0.01). SNA, SNB were increased significantly (P<0.05). Meanwhile, N'-Sn-Pog', ULSn-SN, LLSiSN increased, S-N'-Si, LL-EP decreased with significant difference (P<0.01). S-N'-Sn, Cm-Sn-UL, UL-EP, Sn-Mes and Ns-Mes increased with significant difference (P<0.05). Therefore it was concluded that after FR-3 treatment, the position of mandible may rotate clockwise backwards and downwards, with the labioversion of upper incisors and linguoversion of lower incisors. Although point A moved mesially, the length and position of the maxilla did not change significantly. With the protrusion of upper lip and the retrusion of lower lip, the relationship among nose, upper lip, lower lip and chin become harmonious, the profile of soft tissue is more coordinated and attractive.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en el perfil de los tejidos duros y blandos después del tratamiento de la maloclusión funcional y leve de la clase III esquelética en la dentición mixta mediante el aparato regulador funcional Frankel (FR-3), y revelar el mecanismo y efectividad del tratamiento con el aparato FR-3. Veintiseis pacientes (edad media 8,7 ± 1,4 años; duración media del tratamiento, 10,3 ± 1,3 meses) con maloclusión funcional y leve de clase esquelética III fueron seleccionados y tratados con aparatos FR-3. El cefalograma lateral se tomó antes y después del tratamiento, y los datos se analizaron mediante la prueba t de muestras con el software SPSS22.0. Las diferencias se consideraron estadísticamente significativas a P <0,05. Los resultados demostraron que el dispositivo FR-3 produjo una disminución estadísticamente significativa en L1-NB, L1MP, U1-L1 (P <0,01) y un gran aumento en ANB, MP-FH, eje Y, ANS-Me, ANS -Me / N-Me y overjet (P <0,01). SNA, SNB se incrementaron significativamente (P <0,05). Mientras tanto, N'Sn-Pog', ULSn-SN, LLSi-SN aumentaron, S-N'-Si, LL-EP disminuyeron con una diferencia significativa (P <0,01). S-N'-Sn, Cm-Sn-UL, UL-EP, Sn-Mes y Ns-Mes aumentaron con una diferencia significativa (P <0,05). Por lo tanto, se concluyó que después del tratamiento con FR-3, la posición de la mandíbula puede girar en sentido reloj hacia atrás y hacia abajo, con labioversión de los incisivos superiores y linguoversión de los incisivos inferiores. Aunque el punto A se movió mesialmente, la longitud y la posición del maxilar no cambiaron significativamente. Con la protuberancia del labio superior y la retrusión del labio inferior, la relación entre la nariz, el labio superior, el labio inferior y el mentón se armoniza, el perfil del tejido blando es más coordinado y atractivo.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for 755 benign breast lesions: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) of benign breast lesions (BBLs) and compare the learning curves of international radiologists (IRs) and surgeons. METHODS: In total, 440 patients with 755 clinicopathologically confirmed BBLs from 5 centers were prospectively enrolled from February 2014 to July 2018. Technical success, complications, volume reduction ratio (VRR), palpability, and cosmetic satisfaction after ablation were analyzed. In addition, the ablation time (AT) and energy (AE) with the number of procedures were analyzed for learning curve evaluation. RESULTS: The mean maximum diameter was 1.7 ± 0.6 cm. The complete ablation rate reached 100%, including 45.8% lesions adjacent to the skin, pectoralis, or areola. After a median follow-up of 13.7 months, the 12-month VRR of all lesions was 97.9%, and that for 1.0- to 2.0-cm and ≥ 2.0-cm lesions was 98.6% and 96.9%, respectively. A total of 55.9% of BBLs became nonpalpable (palpable in 85.7% of cases before MWA) by both the clinician and patient. The cosmetic and minimally invasive satisfaction rates were good or excellent in 98.4% and 94.5% of patients, respectively. The median AT/cm3 and AE/cm3 decreased as experience increased. The AE/cm3 of the IR with 5 years of experience was lower than that of the IR with 1 year of experience and the surgeons, while the AT/cm3 of surgeons was comparable with that of the IR with 5 years of experience at relatively mature phase. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA is a valuable technique for the treatment of BBLs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02860104) KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation has the potential to become a valuable technique for the treatment of benign breast lesions. • A skilled interventional radiologist shows a rapid improvement in mastering the technique.

Effect of soft tissue thickness on the morphology of lip in orthodontic treatment / Efecto del grosor del tejido blando en la morfología del labio en el tratamiento de ortodoncia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soft tissue thickness of upper lip on lip retraction in orthodonticaltreated females and identify the ratio of maxillary incisor retraction to upper lip retraction. Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 100 adults were examined to measure the lip thickness in upper lip and establish the classification standard. All subjects were treated with 4 first premolar extractions followed by upper central incisors retraction. Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 19 patients were reviewed to determine the changes of the upper lip and incisor positions through landmarks displacement. An independent-samples t test and one-way analysis of variance were performed. The correlations between maxillary incisor retraction and upper lip retraction were explored by the Pearson correlation method. P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The lip thickness of adult male patients was greater than that of adult female patients. The average ratio of maxillary incisor retraction to upper lip repositioning was 1.6:1,1.9:1 and 2.2:1 in the thin lips group, normal lips group and thick lips group, respectively. Gender differences exist in the thickness of upper lip. Horizontal changes of the maxillary incisor showed a significant correlation to horizontal changes of the upper lip (P<0.001).There were negative correlations between the thickness of upper lip and the ratio between change in maxillary incisor protrusion and change in upper lip protrusion.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del grosor de los tejidos blandos del labio superior, sobre la retracción del labio en mujeres tratadas con ortodoncia e identificar la proporción de retracción del diente incisivo maxilar con respecto a la retracción del labio superior. Se examinaron cefalogramas laterales, previos y posteriores al tratamiento de 100 adultos, para medir el grosor del labio superior y establecer un estándar de clasificación. Todos los sujetos fueron tratados con 4 extracciones de los primeros premolares seguidas de retracción de los incisivos centrales superiores. Se revisaron los cefalogramas laterales, previos y posteriores al tratamiento de 19 pacientes, para determinar los cambios del labio superior y las posiciones de los incisivos a través del desplazamiento de los puntos de referencia. Se realizó una prueba t de muestras independientes y un análisis de varianza de una vía. Las correlaciones entre la retracción del incisivo maxilar y la retracción del labio superior se exploraron mediante el método de correlación de Pearson. Los valores de p<0,05 fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos. El grosor de los labios de los pacientes adultos masculinos fue mayor que el de las pacientes adultas. La relación promedio de la retracción del incisivo maxilar al reposicionamiento del labio superior fue de 1,6:1,1; 9:1 y 2,2:1 en el grupo de labios delgados, grupo de labios normales y grupo de labios gruesos, respectivamente. Existen diferencias de sexo en el grosor del labio superior. Los cambios horizontales del incisivo maxilar mostraron una correlación significativa con los cambios horizontales del labio superior (P<0,001). Hubo correlaciones negativas entre el grosor del labio superior y la relación entre el cambio en la protuberancia del incisivo maxilar y el cambio en la protrusión del labio superior.

Clinical study on the posterior occlusal plane and morphology of temporomandibular joint / Estudio clínico sobre el plano oclusal posterior y la morfología de la articulación temporomandibular

The objective of the study was to investigate the morphological features of the temporomandibular joint in adult patients with posterior occlusal plane and different inclinations. Fifty five skeletal I occlusion patients with average were included, shooting CBCT in the intercuspal position, divided into 3 groups according to OPP-FH angle, and measurement of the temporomandibular joint morphology was calculated with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) special software Invivo 5.0, Statistical analysis of three groups of data using SPSS23.0. The condyle usually locates in the middle of the fossa, the maximum axial area of the condyle (A) was statistically significant between the group 1 and the group 3. The internal and external diameter (MD) of the condyle was statistically significant between group 1 and group 3, and group 2 and group 3. The bilateral TMJ morphological features of the three groups were basically symmetrical. The position of the condyle in the fossa is mostly centered, and some of the posterior, the maximum axial area and the internal and external diameter of the condyle are different in three groups.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las características morfológicas de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) en pacientes adultos con plano oclusal posterior y diferentes inclinaciones. Se incluyeron 55 pacientes con oclusión esquelética tipo I, visualizados por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) en posición intercuspiana, y se dividieron en 3 grupos según el ángulo OPP-FH. La medición morfológica de la articulación temporomandibular se calculó con CBCT y mediante el software especial Invivo 5.0. El análisis estadístico de datos se realizó con el software SPSS 23.0. El cóndilo de la mandíbula generalmente se ubica en el centro de la fosa; el área axial máxima del cóndilo de la mandíbula (A) fue estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos 1 y 3. Los datos de los diámetros medial y lateral (DM) del cóndilo de la mandíbula fueron estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos 1 y 3 y los grupos 2 y 3. Las características morfológicas de la ATM de los tres grupos fueron básicamente simétricas. La posición del cóndilo de la mandíbula en la fosa fue principalmente centrada, y parte del área axial máxima, posterior y los diámetros medial y lateral del cóndilo de la mandíbula fueron diferentes en los tres grupos.

Expression of Ihh signaling pathway in condylar cartilage after bite-raising in adult rats.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a complex inflammatory condition with multiple factors and degenerative processes co-occurring. However, its pathogenesis remains uncertain. The purpose of the study was to observe the expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signal related molecules in TMJOA induced by bite-raising and to study the effect and mechanism of Ihh signaling. Our research indicated that Ihh signaling pathway can be activated in condylar cartilage induced by bite-raising. The histological analysis showed TMJOA-like structural changes of condylar cartilage in experiment groups. Ihh, Smoothened (Smo), and Gli zinc finger transcription factors-1 (Gli-1) were activated in the experimental groups, and the expression levels increased significantly over time, whereas the sham control groups showed no fluctuation. Additionally, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the experiment groups increased in a time-dependent manner compared with the matched sham control groups. In conclusion, our results indicated that the Ihh signaling pathway may activate the occurrence of TMJOA by mediating the hypertrophy of chondrocytes, which may be an important regulatory mechanism and potential therapeutic target in the repair of condylar cartilage.

Research on correction method of palatal rugae morphology in forensic digital identification system / Investigación sobre el método de corrección de la morfología de las rugas palatinas en sistema digital de identificación forense

SUMMARY: Palatal rugae is an irregular soft tissue, which is located in the front third of the hard palate, and is asymmetrically distributed from the middle suture to the sides. The difference, stability and extensive characteristics of palatal rugae morphology have gradually make it a characteristic indicator of forensic identification. However, a mature digital palatal rugae identification system has not yet been established at present. Feature extraction is the premise of palatal rugae image recognition. In order to obtain palatal rugae feature information in all directions and improve the reliability of forensic identification, it is necessary to collect palatal rugae images from a plurality of different angles. When the collected images are sent to the recognition system, the diversity of angles will often cause problems such as error recognition. If the tilted images are not rotated properly, it will make the forensic identification face many difficulties. To solve the problem of image skew caused by the diversity of acquisition angle, an algorithm based on orientation vector to correct the tilted palatal rugae images was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the criteria for standard palatal rugae image and the selection rules for feature points were set; Secondly, characterizing feature points according to the rules, and fitting two lines and find their direction vector; Finally, to obtain the corrected images, the tilted images were rotated by the angle determined by the two direction vectors. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can correct the tilted palatal rugae images collected from different angles and has strong robustness.

RESUMEN: Las rugas palatinas son tejidos blandos irregulares, que se ubican en el tercio frontal del paladar duro y se distribuyen asimétricamente desde la sutura mediana hacia los lados. La diferencia, la estabilidad y las características extensivas de la morfología de las rugas palatinas la han convertido gradualmente en un indicador característico de la identificación forense. Sin embargo, un sistema de identificación de rugas palatinas digitales maduras todavía no se ha establecido en la actualidad. La extracción de características es la premisa del reconocimiento de imágenes de las rugas palatinas. Para obtener información sobre las características de las rugas palatinas en todas las direcciones, y mejorar la confiabilidad de la identificación forense, es necesario recopilar imágenes de las rugas palatinas desde una pluralidad de ángulos diferentes. Cuando las imágenes recogidas se envían al sistema de reconocimiento, la diversidad de ángulos a menudo causará problemas como el reconocimiento de errores. Si las imágenes inclinadas no se giran correctamente, la identificación forense se enfrentará a muchas dificultades. Para resolver el problema del sesgo de la imagen causado por la diversidad del ángulo de adquisición, en este documento se propuso un algoritmo basado en el vector de orientación para corregir las imágenes de las arrugas palatinas inclinadas. En primer lugar, se establecieron los criterios para la imagen de las rugas palatinas estándar, y las reglas de selección para los puntos de características. En segundo lugar, se determinaron puntos de características según las reglas, y se ajustaron dos líneas y encontrar la dirección del vector. Finalmente, para obtener las imágenes corregidas, las imágenes inclinadas se giraron según el ángulo determinado por la dirección de dos vectores. Los resultados de la simulación muestran que el algoritmo propuesto puede corregir las imágenes de rugas palatinas inclinadas recopiladas desde diferentes ángulos y tiene una gran robustez.

Biomechanical analysis of micro-implants lingual straight wire appliance during retracting maxillary anterior teeth / Análisis biomecánico de microimplantes con dispositivo de alambre recto lingual durante la retracción de dientes maxilares anteriores

This study aimed to establish three-dimensional finite element models of micro-implants-lingual straight wire appliance and to investigate the effects of different wire patterns on the initial displacement of the maxillary anterior teeth and the stress of the periodontal ligament and tooth root during retracting maxillary anterior teeth in lingual orthodontics. A three-dimensional geometric models of maxilla with maxillary dentition was established using Cone-beam CT scan .Three types of maxilla models including microimplants and Duet-Slot Lingual Bracket appliance with three different arch wires ( model A: 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch stainless steel square wire; modelB: 0.016 inch stainless steel round wire; model C: double wire of 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch stainless steel square wire + anterior teeth 0.016 inch stainless steel round wire) were assembled by Unigraphics NX 8.5 software. The labial intrusion force and lingual retraction force were simulatively loaded to obtain initial displacement of the anterior teeth and the stresses of each tooth root and periodontal ligament, using three-dimensional finite element calculation software Ansys Workbench 15. The initial displacement of the lateral incisors was close to the bodily movement; and central incisors and lateral incisors slightly extruded. Compared with group A and group C, canine teeth appeared obviously horizontal "arched effect" by crown labial tipping in group B. The stress distribution of the tooth root and periodontal ligament was minimal and uniform in the group C. The 0.016 × 0.022- in stainless steel rectangular wire combined with 0.016- in stainless steel round wire used in the anterior teeth can better control the torque of the maxillary anterior teeth for space close in lingual orthodontics. Moreover, the stress distribution of tooth root and periodontal ligament is even, which is difficult to damage the periodontal ligament or result in external resorption of tooth root.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer modelos tridimensionales de elementos finitos de microimplantes linguales de alambre recto e investigar los efectos de diferentes patrones de alambre en el desplazamiento inicial de los dientes maxilares anteriores y el estrés del ligamento periodontal y la raíz del diente durante la retracción lingual sobre los dientes anteriores del hueso maxilar en ortodoncia. Se establecieron modelos geométricos tridimensionales del hueso maxilar con dentición utilizando una exploración por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico. Tres tipos de modelos maxilares, incluidos los microimplantes y el dispositivo Duet-Slot Lingual Bracket con tres arcos diferentes (modelo A: 0.016 pulgada × 0.022 pulgada alambre cuadrado de acero inoxidable; modelo B: alambre redondo de acero inoxidable de 0.016 pulgadas; alambre cuadrado de acero inoxidable de 0.016 pulgada × 0.022 pulgada y alambre redondo de acero inoxidable de 0.016 pulgada) ensamblados por el software Unigraphics NX 8.5. La fuerza de intrusión labial y la fuerza de retracción lingual se cargó simultáneamente, para obtener el desplazamiento inicial de los dientes anteriores y las tensiones de cada raíz dental y ligamento periodontal, usando el software tridimensional de cálculo de elementos finitos Ansys Workbench 15. El desplazamiento inicial de los incisivos laterales se relacionaba al movimiento corporal; mientra que los incisivos centrales e incisivos laterales se mostraron ligeramente extruidos. Comparado con el grupo A y el grupo C, los dientes caninos presentaron un "efecto arqueado" horizontal por la inclinación labial de la corona en el grupo B. La distribución del estrés de la raíz del diente y el ligamento periodontal fue mínima y uniforme en el grupo C. El alambre rectangular de acero inoxidable combinado con el alambre redondo de acero inoxidable de 0.016 usado en los dientes anteriores puede controlar mejor el torque de los dientes maxilares anteriores para cerrar el espacio en ortodoncia lingual. Además, la distribución del estrés de la raíz del diente y del ligamento periodontal es pareja, lo que dificulta dañar el ligamento periodontal o provocar una resorción externa de la raíz del diente.

Micro-implanted-anchorage safety: cortical bone thickness in the maxillary posterior region of skeletal class II malocclusion / Seguridad en el micro-implante de anclaje: espesor del hueso cortical en la región posterior del maxilar en maloclusión de clase esquelética tipo II

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) measurement of cortical bone thickness and implantation angle in the maxillary posterior region was used to provide reference for the safety of Micro-Implanted-Anchorage (MIA) implantation in skeletal class II malocclusion. Twenty samples of CBCT images were collected from orthodontics patients (ages, 12-40 years) in Shanxi Medical University Stomatological Hospital, the thickness of cortical bone was measured at 45°, 60° and 90° from the alveolar crest, being at 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm, respectively. SPSS17.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data, and the one-way ANOVA and LSD method were compared. There was a significant difference in the thickness of the cortical bone obtained by implanting MIA at the same height of different angle (P≤0.05). The greater the inclination angle of the implanted MIA, the thicker the cortical bone. Also, the higher the implant site, the thicker the cortical bone thickness. Finally, the greater the thickness of the cortical bone in the maxillary posterior region of skeletal class II malocclusion, the greater the thickness of the cortical bone. At the same implantation height, implanted MIA with a tilt angle of 45º to 60º, 90º to obtain the best cortical bone thickness.

La medición del grosor del hueso cortical y del ángulo de implantación en la región posterior del maxilar por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC) se utilizó para proporcionar una referencia para la implantación y el anclaje seguros de un Micro-Implante de Anclaje (MIA) en la maloclusión de clase esquelética tipo II. Veinte muestras de imágenes de TCHC fueron obtenidas de pacientes de ortodoncia (12-40 años) en el Hospital Estomatológico de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi. Se midió el grosor del hueso cortical a 45°, 60° y 90° de la cresta alveolar, encontrándose a 4 mm, 6 mm y 8 mm, respectivamente. Se utilizó el software estadístico SPSS 17.0 para analizar los datos, y se compararon con los métodos ANOVA y LSD de un factor. Hubo una diferencia significativa en el grosor del hueso cortical obtenido al implantar el MIA a la misma altura en diferentes ángulos (P <0,05). Cuanto mayor es el ángulo de inclinación del MIA implantado, más grueso es el hueso cortical. También, cuanto más alto es el sitio del implante, más grueso es el grosor del hueso cortical. Finalmente, cuanto mayor sea el grosor del hueso cortical en la región posterior del maxilar, en la maloclusión de clase esquelética tipo II, mayor será el grosor del hueso cortical.

Morphological changes of skeletal class III malocclusion in mixed dentition with protraction combined activities / Cambios morfológicos en maloclusión de la clase esquelética III en dentición mixta con actividades combinadas de protracción

The objective of the study was to investigate the morphological changes of skeletal class III malocclusion in mixed dentition with light force protraction combined activities. Randomly selected 30 cases of orthodontics in Shanxi Medical University orthodontics patients (ages: 6-10 years) of the lateral cephalograms. Using the oral maxillary casting type of pre-traction device, according to the condition of maxillary dentition to select the corresponding activities of the movable expansion appliance, each side of the force of about 150-200 g, requiring patients to wear 10-12 hours a day, the appliance should be removed after reaching normal occlusion. The correlation cephalometric profile of the cranial lateral radiographs before and after orthodontic treatment was measured. All patients with skeletal class III malocclusion were improved, concave type became direct type, measurements SNA, ANB, A-Ptm, MP-SN, ANS-Me/N-Me increased, maxillary advancement and reconstruction are more obvious; mandible rotates clockwise; the increase of lip inclination of anterior teeth compensatory changes, lower anterior tooth inclination changes smaller; upper lip forward, nasolabial angle decreased, improved appearance significantly. Light force protraction combined activities can make the mixed dentition of skeletal class III malocclusion in patients with significant improvement in profile appearance.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los cambios morfológicos de la maloclusión clase esquelética III, en la dentición mixta, con actividades combinadas de protracción de la fuerza ligera. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 30 casos de ortodoncia en pacientes de ortodoncia de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi (edades: 6-10 años) a partir de cefalogramas laterales, utilizando el tipo de dispositivo de pretracción de vaciado maxilar oral, de acuerdo con la condición de la dentición maxilar para seleccionar las actividades correspondientes del dispositivo de expansión móvil, cada lado con fuerza de alrededor de 150-200 g, requiriendo que los pacientes los utilizaran de 10 a 12 horas al día. El dispositivo debía ser retirado después de alcanzar la oclusión normal. Se midió el perfil cefalométrico de correlación de las radiografías laterales craneales, antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico. Se observó mejoramiento en todos los pacientes con maloclusión de clase esquelética. Las mediciones SNA, ANB, APtm, MP-SN, ANS-Me / N-Me aumentaron, el avance y la reconstrucción maxilar fueron los cambios más significativos; la mandíbula giró en el sentido de las agujas del reloj, se observó un aumento de la inclinación labial de los dientes anteriores. Fue reducida la inclinación anterior del diente inferior, el ángulo nasolabial disminuyó y en general mejoró significativamente la apariencia. Las actividades combinadas de protrusión de la fuerza radiante pueden llevar a una mejora signficativa en el perfil de pacientes con dentición mixta de maloclusión clase III.

Morphological characteristics of soft tissue profile of Angle's class II division i malocclusion before and after orthodontic treatment / Características morfológicas del perfil de tejido blando de la clase II de la división I de maloclusión de ángulo antes y después del tratamiento de ortodoncia

SUMMARY: By analysing cephalometrics before and after the treatment of Angle's class II division 1 malocclusion, soft tissue profile changes were observed, and to explore whether there was a correlation between the change of posterior occlusal plane (OP-P) and soft tissue profile. The study aimed to provide a theoretical reference in the clinical diagnosis and orthodontic treatment of early permanent dentition of Angle class II division 1 malocclusion patients. We randomly selected 20 cases of orthodontics in Shanxi Medical University orthodontics patients (aged 12-18 years) of the lateral cephalograms, Winceph 8.0 software was used to measure the posterior occlusal plane (OP-P), TUL-EP, TLL-EP, nasolabial angle, upper lip base thickness, upper lip tension, lower lip H line distance, chin soft tissue thickness and Z angle. And SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between OP-P and other measurement indexes. The change of posterior occlusal plane was positively related to the distance from upper lip to the esthetic plane, the distance from lower lip to the esthetic plane, the tension of the upper lip and distance from lower lip to H line, and the change of posterior occlusal plane was negatively related to nasolabial angle and Z angle. The change of posterior occlusal plane had no significant correlation with upper lip base thickness and soft tissue chin thickness. The change of posterior occlusal plane has an important guiding significance for orthodontic treatment,by focusing on the change of the posterior occlusal plane to achieve the purpose of changing the soft tissue profile.

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio cefalométrico antes y después del tratamiento de ortodoncia en pacientes portadores de maloclusión clase II división 1 de Angle. Se observaron cambios en el perfil de los tejidos blandos y se exploró si había una correlación entre el cambio del plano oclusal posterior (OP-P) y el perfil de los tejidos blandos. El objetivo de este estudio fue otorgar una referencia teórica en el diagnóstico clínico y el tratamiento de ortodoncia de los pacientes con dentición permanente temprana con maloclusión clase II división 1 de Angle. Seleccionamos al azar 20 casos cefalometrías de pacientes de ortodoncia de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi (entre 12 y18 años). Para ello, se utilizó el software Winceph 8.0 para medir el plano oclusal posterior (OP-P), TUL-EP, TLL-EP, ángulo nasolabial, grosor de la base del labio superior, tensión del labio superior, distancia entre líneas del labio inferior H, grosor del tejido blando del mentón y ángulo Z. Se utilizó el software SPSS 22.0 para analizar la correlación entre OP-P y otros índices. El cambio del plano oclusal posterior tuvo una correlación positiva con la distancia desde el labio superior al plano estético, la distancia desde el labio inferior hasta el plano estético, la tensión del labio superior y distancia del labio inferior a la línea H. El cambio del plano oclusal posterior tuvo una correlación negativa con el ángulo nasolabial y el ángulo Z. El cambio del plano oclusal posterior no tuvo una correlación significativa con el grosor de la base del labio superior y la barbilla de tejido blando. El cambio del plano oclusal posterior tiene un importante significado de orientación para el tratamiento de ortodoncia, de tal manera que al cambiar el plano oclusal posterior se podrá lograr el propósito de cambiar el perfil del tejido blando.