Mandibular cortical bone remodeling characteristics in patients with extraction: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the labial and lingual cortical bone remodeling characteristics of mandibular central incisors after retraction, which remain controversial among orthodontists. METHODS: Cortical bone remodeling and central incisor movement of 33 patients (aged 23.64 ± 4.30 years) who underwent mandibular first premolar extraction and incisor retraction at the crestal (S1), midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were analyzed using superimposed cone-beam computed tomography images on the basis of voxel-based registration of the mandibular stable region. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore the relationships between labial bone remodeling/tooth movement (BT) ratios and factors such as the ANB angle, mandibular plane angle (Mp-SN), and incisor movement patterns. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the lingual cortical bone remodeling condition and the relationship between posttreatment incisor roots and the original lingual cortical bone border. At the 3 levels (S1, S2, and S3), the classifications of cortical bone remodeling of the mandibular incisors were calculated; t tests were used to compare the amount of labial and lingual bone remodeling, BT ratios, and lingual bone remodeling/root over the original border (BRo) ratios. RESULTS: The mean labial BT ratios at all 3 levels were close to 1. Multivariate linear regression indicated that the tooth movement pattern negatively correlated with the BT ratio at the S2 and S3 levels (P <0.05). Lingual bone apposition occurs when the root penetrates the original lingual cortical bone border in most patients. BRo ratios can more accurately reflect the inherent remodeling ability of the lingual cortical bone than BT ratios. The mean lingual BRo ratios were (1) S1 level: mandibular left central incisor (T31), 0.87 ± 0.25 and mandibular right incisor (T41), 0.86 ± 0.25; (2) S2 level: T31, 0.81 ± 0.12 and T41, 0.80 ± 0.22; and (3) S3 level: T31, 0.76 ± 0.20 and T41, 0.83 ± 0.26. There was no significant difference between labial BT ratios and lingual BRo ratios at the S2 and S3 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of labial cortical bone resorption caused by mandibular incisor retraction showed varied relationships with the amount of tooth movement. Bodily retraction may decrease the labial BT ratios at the S2 and S3 levels. Active lingual cortical bone apposition occurred when the roots penetrated the original lingual border and exhibited strong remodeling ability.

Water retention property and microscopic mechanism of shallow soil in inner dump improved by fly ash and polyacrylamide.

Improving the water retention property of shallow soil in the inner dump is the key step in the sustainable development of mines. In recent years, the use of fly ash to improve the structure of the inner dump and polyacrylamide as an additive to enhance water retention was an effective method. The article used a physical model test, filter paper method, and microstructure analysis method to compare and analyze the water retention property and microstructure of slope-improved soil with different fly ash and polyacrylamide content. The results show that the combined use of fly ash and polyacrylamide improved the water retention property of the amended soil. Fly ash and polyacrylamide had a greater effect on the low suction stage of the amended soil. Polyacrylamide reacted with water and bound soil particles to form aggregates, and the structural unit bodies were a block structure. Fly ash was non-sticky and was a matrix of fine particles, which weakened the bonding effect of polyacrylamide, and reduced the aggregates of soil particles, and the structural unit bodies were a flocculated structure of aggregates mixed with matrix. This, in turn, enhanced the capillary action and improved the water retention performance of the improved soil. In addition, polyacrylamide could connect water molecules, further enhancing the water retention property of the improved soil. The combined use of fly ash and polyacrylamide improved the available water content of improved soil, providing a viable and sustainable solution for improving the comprehensive utilization of fly ash, and laid the foundation for land reclamation at the inner dump.

[Soft and hard tissue changes of hyperdivergent class â ¡ patients before and after orthodontic extraction treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hard and soft tissue changing trend and contributing factors of skeletal class Ⅱ hyperdivergent patients before and after orthodontic camouflage treatment by analyzing the cephalogram and the three dimensional (3D) facial scan data. METHODS: Eighteen skeletal class Ⅱ hyperdivergent adult female patients who finished camouflage orthodontic treatment were selected. Skeletal and dental measurements were carried out with the cephalometric analysis before and after the treatment. 3D facial data before and after orthodontic treatment were acquired and the anatomical landmarks were set after the repositioning and superimposition process. Hard tissue measurement included 17 mea-surement indicators (sella-nasion-subspinale angle, sella-nasion-supramental angle, subspinale-nasion-supramental angle, facial angle, angle of convexity, Frankfort horizontal plane-mandibular plane angle (FH-MP), Y axis angle, sella-nasion plane-mandibular plane angle (MP-SN), pogonion-nasion-supramental distance, upper incisor-nasion-subspinale distance, upper incisor to sella-nasion, lower incisor-nasion-supramental distance, lower incisor-nasion-supramental angle, upper incisor to lower incisor, upper incisor to sella-nasion, lower incisor-mandibular plane angle, and Z angle), and the changes before and after treatment were measured for 11 of them. Twenty soft tissue landmarks (left/right cheekbone, left/right chelion, left/right crista philtra, soft tissue gnathion, left/right gonion, glabella, labrale infe-rius, labrale superius, soft tissue menton, left/right mid-mandibular border, soft tissue pogonion, stomion superius, sublabial, subnasale, and supralabial) and 9 soft tissue indicators (lower lip height, facial convexity, lower vermilion height, mandibular contour, nasolabial angle, philtral length, philtral width, upper lip height, and upper vermilion height) were measured and recorded for treatment changes. Linear-regression analysis and correlation analysis were carried out for analyzing the relationship between hard and soft tissue changes before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Significant differences were noticed for 18 out of the 20 cephalometric measurements and facial measurements before and after the treatment (P < 0.05), which mainly represented the sagittal retraction of lip area after the treatment. Significant vertical displacements were revealed for soft tissue menton after treatment [(1.88±2.61) mm, P < 0.05]. Significant sagittal displacements were revealed for left/right cheilion [(-2.95±1.9) mm, (-2.90±1.92) mm], labrale inferius[(-4.94±1.95) mm], labrale superius[(-3.25±1.44) mm], sublabial [(-3.10±3.5) mm], and subnasale [(-1.23±1.06) mm] after treatment (P < 0.05). An average of 4.10°±2.57° increasement was noticed for Z angle after treatment. High correlation (r>0.7) was noticed for the displacement of menton after treatment with FH-MP, with the rate of -0.183 :1, and MP-SN, with the rate of -0.157 :1. Moderate correlations (0.7≥r>0.4) were noticed for the other measurements with correlations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A certain extent of facial improvements could be achieved with orthodontic camouflage treatment for skeletal class Ⅱ hyperdivergent patients, which were mostly represented by the improvement of sagittal relationship of nose, lips, and chin. Certain correlations were noticed for the hard and soft tissue changes.

Vaspin alleviates the lncRNA LEF1-AS1-induced osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells via the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway.

Vascular calcification (VC) is closely related to higher cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) switching to osteogenic-like cells is crucial for VC. LncRNA LEF1-AS1 promotes atherosclerosis and dental pulp stem cells calcification, while its role in VC remains unknown. Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipokine regulating bone metabolism. However, the relationship between vaspin and VC is still unclear. We aimed to explore the role of LEF1-AS1 on VSMC osteogenic transition, whether vaspin inhibited LEF1-AS1-mediated osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs, and the responsible mechanism. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis indicated that LEF1-AS1 overexpression significantly upregulated osteogenic marker Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) level and downregulated VSMC contractile marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) level. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay, and calcium content assay also suggested that LEF1-AS1 overexpression promoted calcium deposition in VSMCs. However, vaspin treatment abolished this phenomenon. Mechanistically, LEF1-AS1 markedly decreased phosphorylated YAP level, while vaspin reversed LEF1-AS1-induced phosphorylated YAP decline. Our results revealed that LEF1-AS1 accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway, while vaspin eliminated the LEF1-AS1-meditated VSMCs osteogenic phenotype switch.

Mechanical overload induces TMJ disc degeneration via TRPV4 activation.

OBJECTIVE: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc cushions intraarticular stress during mandibular movements. While mechanical overloading is related to cartilage degeneration, the pathogenesis of TMJ disc degeneration is unclear. Here, we determined the regulatory role of mechanoinductive transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in mechanical overload-induced TMJ disc degeneration. METHODS: We explored the effect of mechanical overload on the TMJ discs in a rat occlusal interference model in vivo, and by applying sustained compressive force in vitro. TRPV4 inhibition was delivered by small interfering RNA or GSK2193874; TRPV4 activation was delivered by GSK1016790A. The protective effect of TRPV4 inhibition was validated in the rat occlusal interference model. RESULTS: Occlusal interference induced TMJ disc degeneration with enhanced extracellular matrix degradation in vivo and mechanical overload promoted inflammatory responses in the TMJ disc cells via Ca2+ influx with significantly upregulated TRPV4. TRPV4 inhibition reversed mechanical overload-induced inflammatory responses; TRPV4 activation simulated mechanical overload-induced inflammatory responses. Moreover, TRPV4 inhibition alleviated TMJ disc degeneration in the rat occlusal interference model. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest TRPV4 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of mechanical overload-induced TMJ disc degeneration and may be a promising target for the treatment of degenerative changes of the TMJ disc.

A quantitative analysis of facial changes after orthodontic treatment with vertical control in patients with idiopathic condylar resorption.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stability and three-dimensional (3D) facial changes in class II hyperdivergent patients with stable idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) after orthodontic camouflage treatment with vertical control by using temporary anchorage devises (TADs). METHODS: Nineteen skeletal class II hyperdivergent patients who were diagnosed with stable ICR underwent bicuspid extraction orthodontic treatment with vertical control via TADs were enrolled. TMJ was evaluated with the cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and clinical records before and after treatment. Changes in dental and skeletal parameters were evaluated with cephalometric and dental cast measurements. The 3D morphable model (3DMM) method was performed with the MeshMonk toolbox for the 3D facial analysis. After the reposition and landmark setting process, 3D facial heatmaps were used to illustrate facial changes, and the 3D deviations of landmarks were calculated. RESULTS: Both the imaging evaluation and clinical examination proved that TMJs remained stable after treatment. The retrusion of the upper and lower incisors reached 6.63 ± 0.79 mm and 3.78 ± 1.49 mm. The intrusion of the upper first molar reached 2.65 ± 0.75 mm, with a 2.27 ± 0.82° counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane. An upward shift of the soft tissue pogonion (2.34 ± 2.03 mm) and protrusion of Po-NB (0.82 ± 0.70 mm) was gained. Larger intrusion was found in the lower lip (3.29 ± 0.80 mm) than in the upper lip (2.20 ± 0.69 mm). CONCLUSION: Camouflage orthodontic treatment with TAD for vertical control is acceptable for skeletal class II hyperdivergent patients with ICR, which can improve the facial profile.

Maxillary cortical bone remodeling characteristics in extraction patients: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate labial and palatal cortical bone remodeling (BR) characteristics and related aspects of maxillary incisors after retraction, as these aspects are still controversial among orthodontists. METHODS: Cortical BR and incisor movement of 44 patients (aged 26.18 ± 4.71 years) who underwent maxillary first premolar extraction and incisor retraction were analyzed using superimposed cone-beam computed tomography images. Labial BR/tooth movement (BT) ratios at the crestal, midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were compared using the Friedman test and pairwise comparisons. Multivariate linear regressions were used to explore the relationships between the labial BT ratio and several factors, including age, ANB angle, mandibular plane angle, and incisor movement patterns. According to the type of palatal cortical BR observed, the patients were divided into 3 groups: type I (no BR without root penetration of the original palatal border [RPB]), type II (BR with RPB), and type III (no BR with RPB). Student's t test was used to compare the type II and III groups. RESULTS: The mean labial BT ratios at all levels were <1.00 (0.68-0.89). This value at the S3 level was significantly smaller than that at the crestal and S2 levels (P <0.01). Multivariate linear regression indicated that the tooth movement pattern negatively correlates with the BT ratio at S2 and S3 levels (P <0.01). Type I was noted in 40.9% of the patients, and similar proportions exhibited type II (29.5%, 25.0%) or type III remodeling (29.5%, 34.1%). The retraction distance of the incisors in type III patients was significantly larger than in type II patients (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of cortical BR secondary to maxillary incisor retraction is less than the tooth movement. Bodily retraction may lead to lower labial BT ratios at the S3 and S2 levels. Roots penetrating the original border of the cortical plate are necessary for palatal cortical BR initiation.

Oral microbiome contributes to the failure of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs).

BACKGROUND: The stability of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) is critical in orthodontic clinics. The failure of TADs is multifactorial, and the role of the oral microbiome has not been clearly defined. Herein, we attempted to analyze the contribution of the oral microbiome to the failure of TADs. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was adopted for analyzing the microbiome on the TADs from orthodontic patients. 29 TADs (15 failed TADs and 14 successful TADs) were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 135 TADs (62 failed TADs and 73 successful TADs) were collected to conduct metagenomic sequencing. Additionally, 34 verified samples (18 failed TADs and 16 successful TADs) were collected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Successful and failed TADs demonstrated discrepancies in microbiome structure, composition, and function. Clear separations were found in ß-diversity in 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as metagenomic sequencing (p < 0.05). Metagenomic sequencing showed that Prevotella intermedia, Eikenella corrodens, Parvimonas spp., Neisseria elongata, and Catonella morbi were enriched in the failed groups. qRT-PCR also demonstrated that the absolute bacteria load of Prevotella intermedia was higher in failed TADs (p < 0.05). Considering functional aspects, the failed group showed enriched genes involved in flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis, and oxidative phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated the compositional and functional differences of microorganisms found on successful and failed TADs, indicating that controlling bacterial adhesion on the surface of TADs is essential for their success rate.

DENSEN: a convolutional neural network for estimating chronological ages from panoramic radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Age estimation from panoramic radiographs is a fundamental task in forensic sciences. Previous age assessment studies mainly focused on juvenile rather than elderly populations (> 25 years old). Most proposed studies were statistical or scoring-based, requiring wet-lab experiments and professional skills, and suffering from low reliability. RESULT: Based on Soft Stagewise Regression Network (SSR-Net), we developed DENSEN to estimate the chronological age for both juvenile and older adults, based on their orthopantomograms (OPTs, also known as orthopantomographs, pantomograms, or panoramic radiographs). We collected 1903 clinical panoramic radiographs of individuals between 3 and 85 years old to train and validate the model. We evaluated the model by the mean absolute error (MAE) between the estimated age and ground truth. For different age groups, 3-11 (children), 12-18 (teens), 19-25 (young adults), and 25+ (adults), DENSEN produced MAEs as 0.6885, 0.7615, 1.3502, and 2.8770, respectively. Our results imply that the model works in situations where genders are unknown. Moreover, DENSEN has lower errors for the adult group (> 25 years) than other methods. The proposed model is memory compact, consuming about 1.0 MB of memory overhead. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced a novel deep learning approach DENSEN to estimate a subject's age from a panoramic radiograph for the first time. Our approach required less laboratory work compared with existing methods. The package we developed is an open-source tool and applies to all different age groups.

A solid-phase microextraction fiber coating based on magnetic covalent organic framework for highly efficient extraction of triclosan and methyltriclosan in environmental water and human urine samples.

Herein, we synthesized a kind of magnetic covalent organic framework nanohybrids (NiFe2O4@COF), and integrated it with polydimethyl siloxane and silicone rubber curing agent for solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating. The fiber coating demonstrated a porous and uniform surface with the BET specific surface of 169.7 m2 g-1. As for seven environmental analytes, the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME fiber coating gave the higher extraction recoveries for triclosan (TCS) and methyltriclosn (MTCS) than those of fenpropathrin, bifenthrin, permethrin, fenvalerate and deltamethrin. Several operational parameters were rigorously optimized, such as extraction temperature, extraction time, thermal desorption time, solution pH and salt effect. Combined with the GC-ECD detection, the newly developed microextraction method supplied the wide linear range of 0.1-1000 µg L-1 with the correlation coefficients of > 0.9995. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) reached as low as 1-7 ng L-1 and 3.3-23 ng L-1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions in six replicates (n = 6 ) were < 3.55% and < 5.06%, respectively, and the fiber-to-fiber reproducibility (n = 3) was < 7.64%. To evaluate its feasibility in real samples, the fortified recoveries for TCS and MTCS, at low (0.2 µg L-1), middle (2.0 µg L-1) and high (20.0 µg L-1) levels, varied between 81.9% and 119.1% in tap, river and barreled waters as well as male, female and children urine samples. Especially, it is worth mentioning that the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME coating fiber can be recycled for at least 150 times with nearly unchanged extraction efficiency. Moreover, the extraction recoveries by the as-fabricated fiber coating were much higher than those by three commercial fibers (PDMS, PDMS/DVB and PDMS/DVB/CAR). Overall, the NiFe2O4@COF-based SPME is a convenient, sensitive, efficient and "green" pretreatment method, thereby possessing important application prospects in trace monitoring of TCS-like pollutants in complex liquid matrices.

Nonsurgical correction using miniscrew-assisted vertical control of a severe high angle with mandibular retrusion and gummy smile in an adult.

Orthodontic treatment in adult patients with a skeletal discrepancy can be challenging. In this case report, we achieved both sagittal and vertical control by combining the classic sliding mechanics straight-wire technique with miniscrew anchorage. We treated a 21-year-old Chinese woman with a severe high mandibular plane angle, a retrusive chin, and a gummy smile. Her diagnosis included a skeletal Class II skull base with a mild anterior open bite, a protrusive maxilla, and a backwardly rotated mandible. This case underscores the importance of anchorage control in both the sagittal and vertical directions. First, we used miniscrews in the maxillary and mandibular buccal segments to obtain rigid anchorage. Next, we achieved good anterior and posterior vertical control with miniscrews in the maxillary anterior labial and posterior buccolingual segments. Intrusion of the maxillary molars contributed to deepening of the anterior overbite and counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane, which, in turn, improved the facial profile. Intrusion of the maxillary incisors contributed to correction of the gummy smile. After 1 year of retention, the patient had a stable, well-aligned dentition with ideal intercuspation and an improved facial contour. Our results thus suggest that placement of miniscrews in the anterior and posterior regions of the maxilla is effective for camouflaging a high-angle skeletal Class II defect. This technique requires minimal patient compliance and is particularly useful for correction of a high angle in an adult with a gummy smile.

Miniscrew-assisted customized lingual appliances for predictable treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion with severe deep overbite and overjet.

This report describes the use of miniscrew-assisted customized lingual fixed appliances in a patient with severe skeletal Class II malocclusion. The patient was a 12-year-old Chinese girl with the chief complaint of protrusive lips and anterior teeth. Her diagnosis included a skeletal Class II relationship with maxillary protrusion, a backward-rotated mandible, a full Angle Class II molar relationship, and severe deep overjet and overbite. Four premolars were extracted, and miniscrew anchorage was placed in the maxillary posterior lingual segment to provide maximum anchorage and to achieve vertical control of the intruding molars. The customized lingual fixed appliance and temporary anchorage devices created a smooth and invisible treatment progress, resulting ultimately in a well-aligned dentition with ideal intercuspation and a dramatically improved profile. The 3-year follow-up examination indicated that the excellent treatment outcome was stable.

Effect of maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction vs expansion alone in maxillary retrusive patients: a single-center, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of facemask protraction combined with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction (RPE/C) vs rapid palatal expansion (RPE) alone in the early treatment of maxillary retrusive patients. METHODS: Patients with a midface deficiency were recruited and randomly allocated into either the control group (RPE) or the intervention group (RPE/C). Eligibility criteria included the following: age 7 to 13 years old, Class III malocclusion, anterior crossbite, ANB less than 0°, Wits appraisal less than -2 mm, A-Np less than 0 mm, and no cleft of lip or palate. The primary outcome was the degree of maxillary forward movement after treatment. The secondary outcomes were the changes of the other cephalometric variables after treatment and the treatment time. Simple randomization was carried out using a random number table at the beginning of the study. Envelopes containing the grouping information were used to ensure allocation concealment from the researchers. Blinding was applicable for cephalometric analysis only. Hyrax palatal expanders and facemask maxillary protraction were used in all patients. Patients in the RPE group were treated with rapid palatal expansion for 1 week. Patients in the RPE/C group were treated with RPE/C for 7 weeks. The expansion or constriction rate was 1 mm per day. Cephalometric analysis with traditional cephalometric measurements and an x-y coordinate system were used to compare the pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs. Independent t tests were used to compare the data between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were randomized to either the RPE group or the RPE/C group in a 1:1 ratio. One subject in the RPE group was lost to follow-up during the treatment. Per-protocol analysis was used. All the other 43 patients reached the treatment completion criteria and were analyzed (RPE group: n = 21; RPE/C group: n = 22). The average protraction time was 10.84 months in the RPE group, which was significantly longer than that in the RPE/C group (9.06 months) (effect size [ES], 1.78 [95% CI, 0.15, 3.42; P = 0.033]). Maxillary forward movement increased by 3.04 mm in the RPE/C group, which was significantly greater than that in the RPE group (2.11 mm) (ES, -0.93 [95% CI, -1.65, -0.20; P = 0.013]). The counterclockwise rotation of the palatal plane was 1.73° in the RPE/C group, which was significantly greater than that in the RPE group (0.83°) (ES, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.08, 1.73; P = 0.033]). The degree of mandibular downward and backward rotation was significantly smaller in the RPE/C group (P <0.05). No serious harm was observed during treatment and research. CONCLUSIONS: Facemask maxillary protraction with RPE/C might positively affect the forward movement of the maxilla compared with facemask protraction with RPE alone in the early treatment of maxillary retrusive patients. Although the differences between the groups were statistically significant for forward movement of the maxilla and rotation of the palatal and mandibular planes, these may not be clinically relevant, since the differences were less than 1 mm and 1°, respectively. REGISTRATION: This trial was not registered. PROTOCOL: The protocol was not published before trial commencement. FUNDING: This research was supported by Peking University Research Fund. No conflict of interest is declared.

Quantitative evaluation of vertical control in orthodontic camouflage treatment for skeletal class II with hyperdivergent facial type.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we sought to quantify the influence of vertical control assisted by a temporary anchorage device (TAD) on orthodontic treatment efficacy for skeletal class II patients with a hyperdivergent facial type and probe into the critical factors of profile improvement. METHODS: A total of 36 adult patients with skeletal class II and a hyperdivergent facial type were included in this retrospective case-control study. To exclude the effect of sagittal anchorage reinforcement, the patients were divided into two groups: a maxillary maximum anchorage (MMA) group (N = 17), in which TADs were only used to help with anterior tooth retraction, and the MMA with vertical control (MMA + VC) group (N = 19), for which TADs were also used to intrude the maxillary molars and incisors. The treatment outcome was evaluated using dental, skeletal, and soft-tissue-related parameters via a cephalometric analysis and cast superimposition. RESULTS: A significant decrease in ANB (P < 0.05 for both groups), the retraction and uprighting of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, and the retraction of protruded upper and lower lips were observed in both groups. Moreover, a significant intrusion of the maxillary molars was observed via the cephalometric analysis (- 1.56 ± 1.52 mm, P < 0.05) and cast superimposition (- 2.25 ± 1.03 mm, P < 0.05) of the MMA + VC group but not the MMA group, which resulted in a remarkable decrease in the mandibular plane angle (- 1.82 ± 1.38°, P < 0.05). The Z angle (15.25 ± 5.30°, P < 0.05) and Chin thickness (- 0.97 ± 0.45°, P < 0.05) also improved dramatically in the MMA + VC group, indicating a better profile and a relaxed mentalis. Multivariate regression showed that the improvement in the soft tissue was closely related to the counterclockwise rotation of the mandible plane (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TAD-assisted vertical control can achieve intrusion of approximately 2 mm for the upper first molars and induce mandibular counterclockwise rotation of approximately 1.8°. Moreover, it is especially important for patients without sufficient retraction of the upper incisors or a satisfactory chin shape.

Comparative impact of pristine and aged microplastics with triclosan on lipid metabolism in larval zebrafish: Unveiling the regulatory role of miR-217.

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs), especially aged particles, interacting with contaminants like triclosan (TCS), raises concerns about their toxicological effects on aquatic life. This study focused on the impact of aged polyamide (APA) MPs and TCS on zebrafish lipid metabolism. APA MPs, with rougher surfaces and lower hydrophobicity, exhibited reduced TCS adsorption than unaged polyamide (PA) MPs. Co-exposure to PA/APA MPs and TCS resulted in higher TCS accumulation in zebrafish larvae, notably more with PA than APA. Larvae exposed to PA + TCS exhibited greater oxidative stress, disrupted lipid metabolism, and altered insulin pathway genes than those exposed to TCS. However, these negative effects were lessened in the APA + TCS group. Through miRNA-seq and miR-217 microinjection, it was revealed that PA + TCS co-exposure upregulated miR-217, linked to lipid metabolic disorders in zebrafish. Moreover, molecular docking showed stable interactions formed between PA, TCS, and the insulin signaling protein Pik3r2. This study demonstrated that PA and TCS co-exposure significantly inhibited the insulin signaling in zebrafish, triggering lipid metabolism dysregulation mediated by miR-217 upregulation, while APA and TCS co-exposure alleviated these disruptions. This research underscored the ecological and toxicological risks of aged MPs and pollutants in aquatic environments, providing crucial insights into the wider implications of MPs pollution.

Analysis of oral microbiome on temporary anchorage devices under different periodontal conditions.

BACKGROUND: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are maximum anchorages that have been widely used in orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to uncover whether a history of periodontitis would influence microbiome colonization on the TAD surface. RESULTS: Patients were grouped by periodontal evaluations before the orthodontic treatment. Patients with healthy periodontal conditions were classified as the healthy group, and patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage II or even worse were classified as the periodontitis group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the existence of biofilm on the surface of 4 TADs from the healthy group and 4 TADs from the periodontitis group. Fifteen TADs from the healthy group and 12 TADs from the periodontitis group were collected. The microorganisms on the surface of TADs were harvested and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. α-diversity indices and ß-diversity indices were calculated. Wilcoxon's test was used to determine differences between genera, species as well as KEGG functions. SEM analysis revealed bacteria colonization on the surface of TADs from both groups. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on ß diversity revealed differential sample clusters depending on periodontal conditions (P < 0.01). When comparing specific genera, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Saccharibacteria_(TM7)_[G-1], Dialister, Parvimonas, Fretibacterium, Treponema were more enriched in TADs in the periodontitis group. In the KEGG analysis, TADs in the periodontitis group demonstrated enriched microbial activities involved with translation, genetic information processing, metabolism, and cell motility. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis elucidated the difference in total composition and function of TADs oral microorganisms between patients periodontally healthy and with periodontitis.

Effects of orthodontic camouflage treatment vs orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment on condylar stability in Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in profile changes and stability of the condyles between orthodontic camouflage treatment assisted by vertical control and that accomplished via orthognathic surgery in Class II hyperdivergent patients with TMJ osteoarthrosis (TMJOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 27 Class II hyperdivergent TMJOA patients (54 condyles) who received orthodontic camouflage treatment (13 patients) or orthognathic surgery (14 patients) Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before treatment (T1) and 1 year after treatment (T2). Cephalometric and TMJ measurement analyses were conducted to evaluate the change in profile and condyles from T1 to T2 using independent samples t-test and paired t-test. Three-dimensional (3D) deviation analysis was also performed to evaluate the stability of condyles from T1 to T2. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant profile improvement from T1 to T2. The changes in Z angle and ANB angle were larger in the surgical group than in the orthodontic group. Condylar width, length, and height remained stable after treatment in the orthodontic group (P > .05), while they reduced by 0.67 ± 0.85 mm, 1.14 ± 1.10 mm, and 1.07 ± 1.34 mm, respectively, in the surgical group (P < .05). Superior, posterior, medial, and lateral joint spaces were significantly reduced in the orthodontic group (P < .05). 3D deviations intuitively showed that condylar bone in the orthodontic group was more stable than that in the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: For Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe TMJOA, orthodontic camouflage treatment with vertical control can effectively maintain the stability of condyles while significantly improving the profile. Surgical treatment yields a better profile but may increase the risk of condyle resorption.

Magnetic bead-based salivary peptidome profiling for periodontal-orthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients with periodontitis seek periodontal-orthodontic treatment to address certain functional and aesthetic problems. However, little is known of the effect of periodontitis on orthodontic treatment. Thus, we compared the differences in peptide mass fingerprints of orthodontic patients with and without periodontitis by MALDI-TOF MS using a magnetic bead-based peptidome analysis of saliva samples. In this way, we aimed to identify and explore a panel of differentially-expressed specific peptides. RESULTS: Saliva samples from 24 patients (eight orthodontic patients without periodontitis, eight with periodontitis and another eight with periodontitis but no orthodontic treatment) were analyzed, and peptide mass fingerprints were created by scanning MS signals using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic beads. Nine mass peaks showed significant differences. Orthodontic patients in the group without periodontal disease showed higher mass peaks for seven peptides of the nine, whereas the mass peaks for the other two peptides were higher in the periodontal-orthodontic patients. Besides, these differentially-expressed peptides were sequenced. CONCLUSIONS: The elucidated candidate biomarkers indicated interactions between periodontal condition and orthodontic treatment and their contributions to the changes of saliva protein profiles. Our results provide novel insight into the altered salivary protein profile during periodontal-orthodontic treatment, and may lead to the development of a therapeutic monitoring strategy for periodontics and orthodontics.

Flexible Electronic Catheter Based on Nanofibers for the In Vivo Elimination of Circulating Tumor Cells.

Clearing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that are closely related to cancer metastasis and recurrence in peripheral blood helps to reduce the probability of cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, conventional therapies aiming at killing CTCs always cause damage to normal blood cells, tissues, and organs. Here, we report a flexible electronic catheter that can capture and kill CTCs via irreversible electroporation (IRE) with high efficiency. The flexible electronic catheter is assembled from nanofibers (NFs) with liquid metal-polymer conductor (MPC) electrodes. The NFs were modified with an epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody on the surface to improve specific biorecognition and cell adhesion. Whole-body blood can be screened by the catheter repeatedly, during which the EpCAM antibody on a nanofiber can enrich CTCs to the surface of the catheter. Taking advantage of the high specific surface area, the capture efficiency of NF-based catheters for CTCs is 25 times higher than previously reported cases. Furthermore, the number of nonspecifically captured WBCs is less than 10 per mm2 areas of the catheter, compared to their original large number of 4-11 × 106 mL-1 of whole blood, showing good specificity of the flexible electronic catheter. The flexible and biocompatible MPC electrodes have a high killing efficiency of 100% for the captured CTCs in a rabbit model. No noticeable hematologic index and morphological changes of the vessels and major organs were observed, indicating that this electronic catheter had good biocompatibility. The present functional electronic catheter offers an alternative strategy for improving the efficiency of clinical cancer therapy.

Effectiveness of modified periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics in skeletal class II malocclusion treated by a camouflage approach.

Skeletal Class II malocclusion is a complex orofacial condition. Here, we translated the single clinical problem to a multidisciplinary approach that combined the periodontal surgery, biomaterial implantation, and orthodontics to treat this condition. This study aimed to explore the clinical effectiveness of modified periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) in adult patients with skeletal Class II discrepancy via a camouflage orthodontic approach. This clinical trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (trial number: ChiCTR2100052638, trial URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=135827). A total of 26 adult female patients with similar skeletal Class II malocclusions and similar dental and skeletal discrepancies were enrolled. A total of 13 patients in the experimental group received modified PAOO characterized by vertical incisions in interradicular areas and random punching made by a piezoelectric device, whereas 13 patients in the control group received orthodontic treatment only. All patients underwent extraction of four premolars and orthodontic treatment with the sliding MBT straight-wire technique. Treatment courses were recorded and changes in dental and skeletal parameters were evaluated by cephalometric analysis and translated into upper digital cast for further measurements. The results showed that the durations of the alignment and leveling stage (4.51±1.53 mos versus 9.41±1.46 mos. P<0.01), space closing stage (13.56±2.57 mos versus 17.09±3.50 mos. P<0.05) and total treatment course (24.43±2.53 mos versus 31.16±4.17 mos. P<0.01) in the PAOO group were significantly shorter than in the control. The modified PAOO accelerated orthodontic tooth movement in adult extraction cases with skeletal Class II discrepancy and convex profile; the modified PAOO achieved dual goals of periodontal health and long-term stability of orthodontics. Ultimately, this multidisciplinary approach and the use of translational 3D measurements constitute powerful tools that can be used to solve complex clinical problems.