Exome Chip Analysis of 14,026 Koreans Reveals Known and Newly Discovered Genetic Loci Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundMost loci associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) discovered to date are within noncoding regions of unknown functional significance. By contrast, exonic regions have advantages for biological interpretation.MethodsWe analyzed the association of exome array data from 14,026 Koreans to identify susceptible exonic loci for T2DM. We used genotype information of 50,543 variants using the Illumina exome array platform. ResultsIn total, 7 loci were significant with a Bonferroni adjusted P=1.03×10−6. rs2233580 in paired box gene 4 (PAX4) showed the highest odds ratio of 1.48 (P=1.60×10−10). rs11960799 in membrane associated ring-CH-type finger 3 (MARCH3) and rs75680863 in transcobalamin 2 (TCN2) were newly identified loci. When we built a model to predict the incidence of diabetes with the 7 loci and clinical variables, area under the curve (AUC) of the model improved significantly (AUC=0.72, PPP=8.00×10−5).ConclusionWe found exonic loci having a susceptibility for T2DM. We found that such genetic information is advantageous for predicting T2DM in a subgroup of obese individuals.

Exome Chip Analysis of 14,026 Koreans Reveals Known and Newly Discovered Genetic Loci Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundMost loci associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) discovered to date are within noncoding regions of unknown functional significance. By contrast, exonic regions have advantages for biological interpretation.MethodsWe analyzed the association of exome array data from 14,026 Koreans to identify susceptible exonic loci for T2DM. We used genotype information of 50,543 variants using the Illumina exome array platform. ResultsIn total, 7 loci were significant with a Bonferroni adjusted P=1.03×10−6. rs2233580 in paired box gene 4 (PAX4) showed the highest odds ratio of 1.48 (P=1.60×10−10). rs11960799 in membrane associated ring-CH-type finger 3 (MARCH3) and rs75680863 in transcobalamin 2 (TCN2) were newly identified loci. When we built a model to predict the incidence of diabetes with the 7 loci and clinical variables, area under the curve (AUC) of the model improved significantly (AUC=0.72, PPP=8.00×10−5).ConclusionWe found exonic loci having a susceptibility for T2DM. We found that such genetic information is advantageous for predicting T2DM in a subgroup of obese individuals.

Exome Chip Analysis of 14,026 Koreans Reveals Known and Newly Discovered Genetic Loci Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background@#Most loci associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) discovered to date are within noncoding regions of unknown functional significance. By contrast, exonic regions have advantages for biological interpretation. @*Methods@#We analyzed the association of exome array data from 14,026 Koreans to identify susceptible exonic loci for T2DM. We used genotype information of 50,543 variants using the Illumina exome array platform. @*Results@#In total, 7 loci were significant with a Bonferroni adjusted P=1.03×10–6 . rs2233580 in paired box gene 4 (PAX4) showed the highest odds ratio of 1.48 (P=1.60×10−10 ). rs11960799 in membrane associated ring-CH-type fin­ger 3 (MARCH3) and rs75680863 in transcobalamin 2 (TCN2) were newly identified loci. When we built a model to predict the incidence of diabetes with the 7 loci and clinical variables, area under the curve (AUC) of the model improved significantly (AUC=0.72, P<0.05), but marginally in its magnitude, compared with the model using clinical variables (AUC=0.71, P<0.05). When we divided the entire population into three groups—normal body mass index (BMI; <25 kg/m2 ), overweight (25≤ BMI <30 kg/m2 ), and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 ) individuals—the predictive performance of the 7 loci was greatest in the group of obese individuals, where the net reclassification improvement was highly significant (0.51; P=8.00×10–5 ). @*Conclusion@#We found exonic loci having a susceptibility for T2DM. We found that such genetic information is advantageous for predicting T2DM in a subgroup of obese individuals.

Three-dimensional analysis of tooth movement in Class II malocclusion treatment using arch wire with continuous tip-back bends and intermaxillary elastics / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE@#The aim of this study was to analyze three-dimensional (3D) changes in maxillary dentition in Class II malocclusion treatment using arch wire with continuous tip-back bends or compensating curve, together with intermaxillary elastics by superimposing 3D virtual models.@*METHODS@#The subjects were 20 patients (2 men and 18 women; mean age 20 years 7 months ± 3 years 9 months) with Class II malocclusion treated using 0.016 × 0.022-inch multiloop edgewise arch wire with continuous tip-back bends or titanium molybdenum alloy ideal arch wire with compensating curve, together with intermaxillary elastics. Linear and angular measurements were performed to investigate maxillary teeth displacement by superimposing pre- and post-treatment 3D virtual models using Rapidform 2006 and analyzing the results using paired t-tests.@*RESULTS@#There were posterior displacement of maxillary teeth (p < 0.01) with distal crown tipping of canine, second premolar and first molar (p < 0.05), expansion of maxillary arch (p < 0.05) with buccoversion of second premolar and first molar (p < 0.01), and distal-in rotation of first molar (p < 0.01). Reduced angular difference between anterior and posterior occlusal planes (p < 0.001), with extrusion of anterior teeth (p < 0.05) and intrusion of second premolar and first molar (p < 0.001) was observed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Class II treatment using an arch wire with continuous tip-back bends or a compensating curve, together with intermaxillary elastics, could retract and expand maxillary dentition, and reduce occlusal curvature. These results will help clinicians in understanding the mechanism of this Class II treatment.

Effect of carbonated water manufactured by a soda carbonator on etched or sealed enamel / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE@#The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbonated water on etched or sealed enamel according to the carbonation level and the presence of calcium ions.@*METHODS@#Carbonated water with different carbonation levels was manufactured by a soda carbonator. Seventy-five premolar teeth were randomly divided into a control group and 4 experimental groups in accordance with the carbonation level and the presence of calcium ions in the test solutions. After specimen preparation of the Unexposed, Etched, and Sealed enamel subgroups, all the specimens were submerged in each test solution for 15 minutes three times a day during 7 days. Microhardness tests on the Unexposed and Etched enamel subgroups were performed with 10 specimens from each group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests on the Unexposed, Etched, and Sealed enamel subgroups were performed with 5 specimens from each group. Microhardness changes in different groups were statistically compared using paired t-tests, the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.@*RESULTS@#The microhardness changes were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.000). The microhardness changes in all experimental groups except Group 3 (low-level carbonated water with calcium ions) were significantly greater than those in the Control group. SEM showed that etched areas of the specimen were affected by carbonated water and the magnitude of destruction varied between groups. Adhesive material was partially removed in groups exposed to carbonated water.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Carbonated water has negative effects on etched or sealed enamel, resulting in decreased microhardness and removal of the adhesive material.

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of transverse dental compensation in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the transverse dental compensation in reference to the maxillary and mandibular basal bones using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and evaluate the correlations between transverse dental compensation and skeletal asymmetry variables in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry. METHODS: Thirty patients with skeletal Class I (control group; 15 men, 15 women) and 30 patients with skeletal Class III with menton deviation (asymmetry group; 16 men, 14 women) were included. Skeletal and dental measurements were acquired from reconstructed CBCT images using OnDemand3D 1.0 software. All measurements were compared between groups and between the deviated and nondeviated sides of the asymmetry group. Correlation coefficients for the association between skeletal and dental measurements were calculated. RESULTS: Differences in the ramus inclination (p < 0.001), maxillary canine and first molar inclinations (p < 0.001), and distances from the canine and first molar cusp tips to the midmaxillary or midmandibular planes (p < 0.01) between the right and left sides were significantly greater in the asymmetry group than in the control group. In the asymmetry group, the ramus inclination difference (p < 0.05) and mandibular canting (p < 0.05) were correlated with the amount of menton deviation. In addition, dental measurements were positively correlated with the amount of menton deviation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transverse dental compensation was correlated with the maxillary and mandibular asymmetry patterns. These results would be helpful in understanding the pattern of transverse dental compensation and planning surgical procedure for patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry.

COEX-Seq: Convert a Variety of Measurements of Gene Expression in RNA-Seq

Next generation sequencing (NGS), a high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, is widely used for molecular biological studies. In NGS, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), which is a short-read massively parallel sequencing, is a major quantitative transcriptome tool for different transcriptome studies. To utilize the RNA-Seq data, various quantification and analysis methods have been developed to solve specific research goals, including identification of differentially expressed genes and detection of novel transcripts. Because of the accumulation of RNA-Seq data in the public databases, there is a demand for integrative analysis. However, the available RNA-Seq data are stored in different formats such as read count, transcripts per million, and fragments per kilobase million. This hinders the integrative analysis of the RNA-Seq data. To solve this problem, we have developed a web-based application using Shiny, COEX-seq (Convert a Variety of Measurements of Gene Expression in RNA-Seq) that easily converts data in a variety of measurement formats of gene expression used in most bioinformatic tools for RNA-Seq. It provides a workflow that includes loading data set, selecting measurement formats of gene expression, and identifying gene names. COEX-seq is freely available for academic purposes and can be run on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems. Source code, sample data sets, and supplementary documentation are available as well.

4-O-Methylhonokiol Protects HaCaT Cells from TGF-β1-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest by Regulating Canonical and Non-Canonical Pathways of TGF-β Signaling

4-O-methylhonokiol, a neolignan compound from Magnolia Officinalis, has been reported to have various biological activities including hair growth promoting effect. However, although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal pathway has an essential role in the regression induction of hair growth, the effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on the TGF-β signal pathway has not yet been elucidated. We thus examined the effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on TGF-β-induced canonical and noncanonical pathways in HaCaT human keratinocytes. When HaCaT cells were pretreated with 4-O-methylhonokiol, TGF-β1-induced G1/G0 phase arrest and TGF-β1-induced p21 expression were decreased. Moreover, 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibited nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, Smad4 and Sp1 in TGF-β1-induced canonical pathway. We observed that ERK phosphorylation by TGF-β1 was significantly attenuated by treatment with 4-O-methylhonokiol. 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibited TGF-β1-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced the increase of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) mRNA level in TGF-β1-induced noncanonical pathway. These results indicate that 4-O-methylhonokiol could inhibit TGF-β1-induced cell cycle arrest through inhibition of canonical and noncanonical pathways in human keratinocyte HaCaT cell and that 4-O-methylhonokiol might have protective action on TGF-β1-induced cell cycle arrest.

Bone cutting capacity and osseointegration of surface-treated orthodontic mini-implants / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the practicality and the validity of different surface treatments of self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) by comparing bone cutting capacity and osseointegration. METHODS: Self-drilling OMIs were surface-treated in three ways: Acid etched (Etched), resorbable blasting media (RBM), partially resorbabla balsting media (Hybrid). We compared the bone cutting capacity by measuring insertion depths into artificial bone (polyurethane foam). To compare osseointegration, OMIs were placed in the tibia of 25 rabbits and the removal torque value was measured at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after placement. The specimens were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS: The bone cutting capacity of the etched and hybrid group was lower than the machined (control) group, and was most inhibited in the RBM group (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the removal torque in the machined group was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but was increased in the etched group (p < 0.05). In the hybrid group, the removal torque significantly increased at 2 weeks, and was the highest among all measured values at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). The infiltration of bone-like tissue surface was evaluated by SEM, and calcium and phosphorus were detected via EDS only in the hybrid group. CONCLUSIONS: Partial RBM surface treatment (hybrid type in this study) produced the most stable self-drilling OMIs, without a corresponding reduction in bone cutting capacity.

Comparison of the bonding strengths of second- and third-generation light-emitting diode light-curing units / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: With the introduction of third-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in dental practice, it is necessary to compare their bracket-bonding effects, safety, and efficacy with those of the second-generation units. METHODS: In this study, 80 extracted human premolars were randomly divided into eight groups of 10 samples each. Metal or polycrystalline ceramic brackets were bonded on the teeth using second- or third-generation LED light-curing units (LCUs), according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The shear bond strengths were measured using the universal testing machine, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was scored by assessing the residual resin on the surfaces of debonded teeth using a scanning electron microscope. In addition, curing times were also measured. RESULTS: The shear bond strengths in all experimental groups were higher than the acceptable clinical shear bond strengths, regardless of the curing unit used. In both LED LCU groups, all ceramic bracket groups showed significantly higher shear bond strengths than did the metal bracket groups except the plasma emulation group which showed no significant difference. When comparing units within the same bracket type, no differences in shear bond strength were observed between the second- and third-generation unit groups. Additionally, no significant differences were observed among the groups for the ARI. CONCLUSIONS: The bracket-bonding effects and ARIs of second- and third-generation LED LCUs showed few differences, and most were without statistical significance; however, the curing time was shorter for the second-generation unit.

Relationship between maturation indices and morphology of the midpalatal suture obtained using cone-beam computed tomography images / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether predicting maturation of the midpalatal suture is possible by classifying its morphology on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to investigate relationships with other developmental age indices. METHODS: The morphology of the midpalatal suture was assessed by using CBCT images of 99 patients. Axial plane images of the midpalatal suture were classified into five stages according to the classification scheme. To make the assessment more accurate, the morphology and fusion of the midpalatal suture were additionally investigated on coronal cross-sectional planar images and volume-rendered images. Bone age was evaluated using the hand and wrist method (HWM) and cervical vertebrae method (CVM); dental age (Hellman's index), sex, and chronological age were also assessed. To evaluate relationships among variables, Spearman's rho rank test was performed along with crosstabs using contingency coefficients. RESULTS: The HWM and CVM showed strong correlations with the maturation stage of the midpalatal suture, while other indices showed relatively weak correlations (p < 0.01). Through crosstabs, the HWM and CVM showed high association values with CBCT stage; the HWM demonstrated slightly higher values (p < 0.0001). Based on the HWM, the midpalatal suture was not fused until stage 6 in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Among developmental age indices, the HWM and CVM showed strong correlations and high associations, suggesting that they can be useful in assessing maturation of the midpalatal suture.

Three-dimensional evaluation of tooth movement in Class II malocclusions treated without extraction by orthodontic mini-implant anchorage / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze tooth movement and arch width changes in maxillary dentition following nonextraction treatment with orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) anchorage in Class II division 1 malocclusions. METHODS: Seventeen adult patients diagnosed with Angle's Class II division 1 malocclusion were treated by nonextraction with OMIs as anchorage for distalization of whole maxillary dentition. Three-dimensional virtual maxillary models were superimposed with the best-fit method at the pretreatment and post-treatment stages. Linear, angular, and arch width variables were measured using Rapidform 2006 software, and analyzed by the paired t-test. RESULTS: All maxillary teeth showed statistically significant movement posteriorly (p 0.05) and the intercanine, interfirst premolar, intersecond premolar, and interfirst molar widths increased significantly (2.2 mm, p < 0.01; 2.2 mm, p < 0.05; 1.9 mm, p < 0.01; 2.0 mm, p < 0.01; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nonextraction treatment with OMI anchorage for Class II division 1 malocclusions could retract the whole maxillary dentition to achieve a Class I canine and molar relationship without a change in the vertical position of the teeth; however, the second molars were significantly extruded. Simultaneously, the maxillary arch was shown to be expanded with distal-in rotation of the molars.

Accuracy of three-dimensional printing for manufacturing replica teeth / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a recent technological development that may play a significant role in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. It can be used to fabricate skull models or study models, as well as to make replica teeth in autotransplantation or tooth impaction cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of fabrication of replica teeth made by two types of 3D printing technologies. METHODS: Fifty extracted molar teeth were selected as samples. They were scanned to generate high-resolution 3D surface model stereolithography files. These files were converted into physical models using two types of 3D printing technologies: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) and PolyJet technology. All replica teeth were scanned and 3D images generated. Computer software compared the replica teeth to the original teeth with linear measurements, volumetric measurements, and mean deviation measurements with best-fit alignment. Paired t-tests were used to statistically analyze the measurements. RESULTS: Most measurements of teeth formed using FDM tended to be slightly smaller, while those of the PolyJet replicas tended to be slightly larger, than those of the extracted teeth. Mean deviation measurements with best-fit alignment of FDM and PolyJet group were 0.047 mm and 0.038 mm, respectively. Although there were statistically significant differences, they were regarded as clinically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that FDM and PolyJet technologies are accurate enough to be usable in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Identification of Ethnically Specific Genetic Variations in Pan-Asian Ethnos

Asian populations contain a variety of ethnic groups that have ethnically specific genetic differences. Ethnic variants may be highly relevant in disease and human differentiation studies. Here, we identified ethnically specific variants and then investigated their distribution across Asian ethnic groups. We obtained 58,960 Pan-Asian single nucleotide polymorphisms of 1,953 individuals from 72 ethnic groups of 11 Asian countries. We selected 9,306 ethnic variant single nucleotide polymorphisms (ESNPs) and 5,167 ethnic variant copy number polymorphisms (ECNPs) using the nearest shrunken centroid method. We analyzed ESNPs and ECNPs in 3 hierarchical levels: superpopulation, subpopulation, and ethnic population. We also identified ESNP- and ECNP-related genes and their features. This study represents the first attempt to identify Asian ESNP and ECNP markers, which can be used to identify genetic differences and predict disease susceptibility and drug effectiveness in Asian ethnic populations.

An Unusual Complication of Total Parenteral Nutrition via Subclavian Vein Catheterization Masquerading as Bilateral Chylothorax

Chylothorax, a relatively rare condition of pleural effusion, is defined as an accumulation of chyle resulting from damage to the thoracic duct associated with chyle leakage from the lymphatic system into the pleural cavity. The etiologies of this condition are numerous, and the most important approach for management of chylothorax is to determine the definite cause. We report on a case of an unusual complication of chylothorax that occurred after central catheterization and direct instillation of total parenteral nutrition into the pleural cavity.

Effects of various toothpastes on remineralization of white spot lesions / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the effects of fluoridated, casein phosphopeptide.amorphous calcium phosphate complex (CPP-ACP)-containing, and functionalized beta-tricalcium phosphate (fTCP)-containing toothpastes on remineralization of white spot lesions (WSLs) by using Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF-D) Biluminator(TM) 2. METHODS: Forty-eight premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons from 12 patients, with artificially induced WSLs were randomly and equally assigned to four treatment groups: fluoride (1,000 ppm), CPP-ACP, fTCP (with sodium fluoride), and control (deionized water) groups. Specimens were treated twice daily for 2 weeks and stored in saliva solution (1:1 mixture of artificial and human stimulated saliva) otherwise. QLF-D Biluminator(TM) 2 was used to measure changes in fluorescence, indicating alterations in the mineral contents of the WSLs, immediately before and after the 2 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Fluorescence greatly increased in the fTCP and CPP-ACP groups compared with the fluoride and control groups, which did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: fTCP- and CPP-ACP-containing toothpastes seem to be more effective in reducing WSLs than 1,000-ppm fluoride-containing toothpastes.

Evaluation of the relationship between upper incisor exposure and cephalometric variables in Korean young adults / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to classify Korean young adults into 3 groups on the basis of upper incisor exposure rates (UIERs) and to compare the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue variables. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 127 students at the College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University in South Korea. Facial photographs of frontal posed smiles and lateral cephalograms of the subjects were taken. The subjects were divided into 3 groups on the basis of UIERs and 20 measurements were compared among the 3 groups. The correlations between the variables were determined. RESULTS: Male and female subjects showed significant differences in the group distribution. Male subjects showed higher frequencies of low smiles, and female subjects showed higher frequencies of high smiles. The vertical height of the anterior alveolar process of the maxilla directly correlated with the UIER. However, the UIER showed no significant correlation with the vertical height of the anterior basal bone or the inclination of the upper incisor axis. In female subjects, the upper central incisor clinical crown length showed an inverse correlation with the UIER. However, this variable showed no significant correlation with the UIER in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The UIER was directly correlated with the levator muscle activity of the upper lip and inversely correlated with the upper lip thickness, yet there was no correlation between the UIER and upper lip length at rest.

Comparison of the Alternating Rescuer Method between Every Minute and Two Minutes During Continuous Chest Compression in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation According to the 2010 Guidelines

PURPOSE: To maintain high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), optimal alternating rescuers is important. Stronger and faster chest compression has recently been emphasized in the 2010 guidelines. Therefore, this study compared and evaluated changes in the quality of chest compression in a 2-min scenario group and a 1-min scenario group. METHODS: Among the 88 participants, two-rescuer pairs were randomly allocated. After the training and a one-day break, participants were asked to perform continuous chest compressions for 2 min on a manikin and to take a one-day break, followed by continuous chest compression for 1 min. In all simulated CPRs, the total number of chest compressions and those with appropriate depth were counted. Chest compression quality index was calculated as the proportion of chest compressions with appropriate depth. RESULTS: The mean overall chest compression depth was lower in the 2-min scenario group, compared with the 1-min scenario group. In particular, compression rate (p=0.110), abnormal hand position (p=0.181), and chest recoil (p=0.892) showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, the quality index, mean depth (p=0.018) and too shallow compression depth (p=0.020) 1-min scenario was better than that of the 2-min scenario group. The difference in the CPR quality index reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Switching compressors at an interval of 2 min is reasonable for performance of CPR by a lay-bystander. However, alternating rescuers every 1 min may be an alternative method during continuous chest compression.

Management of presbytinnitus

As the population is aging, the prevalence of presbycusis is increasing proportionally. The prevalence of tinnitus, which usually accompanies presbycusis, is also growing. Presbytinnitus, defined as tinnitus which accompanies presbycusis, not only influences the individual's well-being and productivity but also causes communication problems, isolation, and social withdrawal. We now need to adopt more aggressive approaches to treating presbytinnitus in the elderly population, rather than giving them discouraging comments on the course of disease progression. Although the exact mechanisms of presbytinnitus have not been revealed and the specified therapeutic methods have not yet been established, an increasing number of studies using masking, retraining therapy, psychological therapy, and some medications have shown promising outcomes for the management of presbytinnitus. Therefore, appropriate treatment with multidisciplinary modalities should be provided for patients with presbytinnitus in order to reduce a growing social burden.

Influence of surface treatment on the insertion pattern of self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants of different surfaces, namely, machined (untreated), etched (acid-etched), RBM (treated with resorbable blasting media) and hybrid (RBM + machined), with respect to the following criteria: physical appearance of the surface, measurement of surface roughness, and insertion pattern. METHODS: Self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants (Osstem implant, Seoul, Korea) with the abovementioned surfaces were obtained. Surface roughness was measured by using a scanning electron microscope and surface-roughness-testing machine, and torque patterns and vertical loadings were measured during continuous insertion of mini-implants into artificial bone (polyurethane foam) by using a torque tester of the driving-motor type (speed, 12 rpm). RESULTS: The mini-implants with the RBM, hybrid, and acid-etched surfaces had slightly increased maximum insertion torque at the final stage (p < 0.05). Implants with the RBM surface had the highest vertical load for insertion (p < 0.05). Testing for surface roughness revealed that the implants with the RBM and hybrid surfaces had higher Ra values than the others (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the implants with the RBM surface had the roughest surface. CONCLUSIONS: Surface-treated, self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants may be clinically acceptable, if controlled appropriately.