Efficacy of maxillary molar intrusion and quantification of related external apical root resorption - A comparison of two approaches.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective single-centre study aimed to compare the efficacy of maxillary second molar intrusion with two different approaches, miniscrew-assisted molar intrusion and traditional segmental archwire intrusion, and to compare orthodontically induced external apical root resorption (OIERR) during intrusion between two groups via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 adult patients (33.6 ± 10.3 years old) with supraerupted maxillary second molars due to the loss of antagonistic teeth were recruited, with 20 patients in each group. A segmental archwire with adjacent teeth as an anchorage was used in the control group, and 60-100 g of intrusive force was applied by using miniscrews in the experimental group to intrude the overerupted molars. Full-volume CBCT was performed before and after intrusion, and the amount of intrusion and extent of OIERR of the overerupted molars were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Supraerupted maxillary second molars could be successfully intruded in an average of 5 months. There was more intrusive movement of the buccal and palatal cusps in the mininscrew group than that in the segmental archwire group (P < .05). The intrusive amount of palatal cusp was 3.67 ± 1.13 mm in the miniscrew group and 2.38 ± 0.74 mm in the segmental archwire group. More palatal OIERR was observed in the miniscrew group (30.3 ± 11.6 mm3) than in the segmental archwire group (21.0 ± 8.66 mm3) (P = .0063). There was no significant difference in OIERR between the two groups for mesial and distal buccal roots (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Miniscrews help effectively with supraerupted maxillary second molar intrusion, especially for palatal cusps. There was more OIERR in the palatal root when using miniscrews compared to the segmental archwire approach.

The short- and long-term changes of upper airway and alar in nongrowing patients treated with Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the short- and long-term changes in the upper airway and alar width after mini-implant -assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in nongrowing patients. METHODS: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to 2 August, 2023 based on the PICOS principles. The main outcomes were classified into three groups: 1) nasal cavity changes, 2) upper airway changes and 3) alar changes. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess these changes. Heterogeneity tests, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were also analyzed. RESULT: Overall, 22 articles were included for data analysis. Nasal cavity width (WMD: 2.05 mm; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.00) and nasal floor width (WMD: 2.13 mm; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.11) increased significantly. While palatopharyngeal volume (WMD: 0.29 cm3, 95% CI: -0.44, 1.01), glossopharyngeal volume (WMD: 0.30 cm3, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.89) and hypopharyngeal volume (WMD: -0.90 cm3; 95% CI: -1.86, 0.06) remained unchanged, nasal cavity volume (WMD: 1.24 cm3, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.81), nasopharyngeal volume (MD: 0.75 cm3, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.06), oropharyngeal volume (WMD: 0.61 cm3, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.87), and total volume of the upper airway (WMD: 1.67 cm3, 95% CI: 0.68, 2.66) increased significantly. Alar width (WMD: 1.47 mm; 95% CI: 0.40, 2.55) and alar base width (WMD: 1.54 mm; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.87) also increased. CONCLUSION: MARPE can increase nasal cavity width, nasal cavity volume, nasopharyngeal volume and oropharyngeal volume for nongrowing patients, but has no significant effect on hypopharyngeal volume. In addition, the alar width also increased. However, the studies included in this meta-analysis were mainly retrospective, nonrandomized and small in number, so the findings should be interpreted with caution and high-quality RCTs need to be studied.

Inhibition of AoAur1 increases mycelial growth, hyphal fusion and improves physiological adaptation to high-temperature stress in Aspergillus oryzae.

Inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) participates in hyphal growth and serves as a signaling molecule that enables fungi to adapt to diverse environments. Here, a gene, encodes IPC synthase, was identified from the Aspergillus oryzae 3.042 genome and designated AoAur1. The characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, and resistance to aureobasidin A of AoAur1 were analyzed. The expression pattern of AoAur1 was markedly downregulated under temperature stress. Additionally, an RNAi-AoAur1 strain in which the AoAur1 expression was inhibited had mycelial that grew more quickly, had a higher frequency of hyphal fusion, and was more resistant to high-temperature stress than the control. Gene expression profiles showed that the genes related to IPC biosynthesis were obviously downregulated, while AoCerS, which participates in dihydroceramide biosynthesis, increased in the RNAi-AoAur1 strain at the three temperature treatments. A metabolomic analysis revealed that the intracellular IPC content decreased, and the accumulation of dihydroceramide and galactosylceramide increased significantly in the RNAi-AoAur1 strain. Thus, the inhibition of AoAur1 reduced IPC level followed by an increase in the contents of dihydroceramide and galactosylceramide that promote mycelial growth and the formation of spores in the RNAi-AoAur1 strain. Interestingly, the inhibition of AoAur1 also induced the expression of hyphal fusion-related genes, which promote hyphal fusion, thus, contributing to the transduction of stress signal to enhance the ability of cells to adapt to temperature stress. Our results demonstrated that the downregulation of AoAur1 and a decrease in the accumulation of IPC is one of the mechanisms that enables A. oryzae to adapt low- and high-temperature stress.

Surgery-first treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion with a completely digital workflow.

Completely digital design/completely digital manufacturing (CDD/CDM) workflows have been widely used in orthodontic and orthognathic treatments. This case report introduces a CDD/CDM workflow consisting of clear aligners and virtual planning for a surgery-first approach (SFA) in a patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion. Following a shortened treatment time of 5 months, the patient's facial appearance improved significantly, and well-balanced occlusion was obtained. SFAs with clear aligners can enable patients to achieve complete esthetic satisfaction during the therapeutic period. The CDD/CDM workflow provided accurate results, improved the clinical outcome, and reduced treatment time.

Circ-LRP6 mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Tumor metastasis seriously affects the therapeutic effect and prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we studied the role of has_circ_0000378 (circ-LRP6) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis to explore new ideas and schemes for clinical treatment. METHODS: The expressions of circ-LRP6 in OSCC and normal tissues from matched controls were measured by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors, P62 and LC3B, were determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of circ-LRP6 downregulation on migration, invasion, and autophagy using CCK8, transwell assays, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence (IF) assay. RESULTS: The expression of circ-LRP6 in OSCC tissues was high. Downregulation of circ-LRP6 reduced the EMT process of SCC-15 cells, as evidenced by increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin and Zeb1 levels. Downregulation of circ-LRP6 also decreased autophagy as shown by increased levels of P62 and decreased LC3B in SCC-15 cells. Autophagy revulsant rapamycin (RAPA) rescued the inhibitory effect of circ-LRP6 on LC3B, vimentin, and Zeb1. CONCLUSIONS: circ-LRP6 promoted EMT and autophagy of OSCC and increased autophagy could rescue EMT in OSCC cells inhibited by circ-LRP6 siRNA.

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Utility of Computer-Aided Intraoperative Navigation in Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

ABSTRACT: Accurate application of the preoperative surgical plan in actual surgical settings is of paramount importance in orthognathic surgery. This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the accuracy of computer-aided intraoperative navigation (Ci-Navi) compared with that of conventional navigation methods in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Fifty-two patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A (n = 26) patients underwent surgery assisted with Ci-Navi and group B (n = 26) patients underwent surgery assisted with conventional intraoperative navigation methods. During the operation, after LeFort I osteotomy, the mobile maxilla was repositioned to the designated position either using assistance from real-time Ci-Navi (group A) or using an intermediate splint (group B). Intra- and intergroup linear and angular differences between preoperative planning and postoperative outcomes were calculated. In group A, the overall mean linear difference was 0.79 mm (0.62 mm for the maxilla and 0.88 mm for the mandible) and the overall mean angular difference was 1.20°. In 23 cases, the difference from the upper incisor point to the Frankfort horizontal plane, midfacial sagittal plane, and coronal plane was less than 1 mm. In group B, the overall mean linear difference was 1.98 mm (1.76 mm for the maxilla and 2.02 mm for the mandible) and the overall mean angular difference was 2.08°. The difference from the upper incisor point to the Frankfort horizontal plane, midfacial sagittal plane, and coronal plane was less than 1 mm in 15 cases. This study demonstrates the utility of Ci-Navi is superior to the conventional methods in aiding the accurate repositioning of bony segments in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Comparison of the efficacy of different periodic periodontal scaling protocols for oral hygiene in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this reseach was to compare the effects of different periodic periodontal scaling protocols on the periodontal health of adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances by assessing the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid and periodontal clinical indexes in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Forty-eight adolescents were divided into 3 groups according to the interval of periodontal scaling (group A: once a month; group B: once every 3 months; group C: once every 6 months). The AST and ALP levels in the gingival crevicular fluid were measured before orthodontic treatment (T0) and at 1 (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3), and 9 (T4) months during orthodontic treatment. Periodontal clinical indexes (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], and probing depth) were also assessed. RESULTS: At T2, significantly lower AST and ALP levels were observed in group A than in groups B and C (P <0.05). At T3 and T4, lower AST and ALP levels were detected in groups A and B than in group C (P <0.05), and there was no significant difference between the A and B groups at T4 (P >0.05). At T2, the PI and GI were increased in groups B and C compared with group A, and at T3 and T4, significantly lower PI and GI values were observed in groups A and B than in group C (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal scaling promotes the oral hygiene of adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, and periodontal scaling protocols administered monthly and once every 3 months are better for controlling periodontal health than treatments administered once every 6 months.

NLRP3 inflammasome mediates M1 macrophage polarization and IL-1ß production in inflammatory root resorption.

AIMS: To explore the involvement of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and M1 macrophage in root resorption (RR). METHODS: A rat RR model was established by excessive orthodontic force. After different force-loading time, the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and distribution of M1 macrophages were analysed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining in vivo. Then, the mechanism of NLRP3 activation was further verified by macrophage and human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLC) co-culture system in vitro. The production levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, and IL-1ß in M1 macrophages in the co-culture system were detected by Western blot, and the polarization of CD68+IL-1ß+ M1 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: In the rat RR model, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1ß, and M1 macrophages were expressed in periodontal ligament, mainly concentrated around RR areas. Force-pre-treated hPDLCs promoted M1 macrophage polarization and the production of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1ß in M1 macrophages in co-culture system. When MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, was added, NLRP3 activation and M1 macrophage polarization were inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: In periodontal tissues, hPDLCs stimulated by force promoted M1 macrophage polarization and increased IL-1ß production by activating NLRP3 inflammasome in M1 macrophages, thus initiating the occurrence of RR.

Identification and functional characterization of glycerol dehydrogenase reveal the role in kojic acid synthesis in Aspergillus oryzae.

Glycerol dehydrogenase has been identified and characterized functionally in many species. However, little is known about glycerol dehydrogenase genes and their functions in Aspergillus oryzae. Here, a total of 45 glycerol dehydrogenase genes in Aspergillus oryzae were identified and renamed from AoGld1 to AoGld45 according to their chromosome distribution. They were classified into three groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Synteny analysis revealed that thirteen AoGld genes are conserved among Aspergillus species. Promoter analysis displayed that AoGld3 and AoGld13 harbored multiple binding elements of GATA-type transcription factors and zinc-finger protein msnA that were involved in nitrogen and kojic acid metabolism, respectively. Moreover, the AoGld3 deletion strain Δgld3 was generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which had no visible growth defects compared with the control wild-type strain under the control and osmotic stress treatments. However, disruption of AoGld3 led to the inhibition of kojic acid production, and the expression of kojA, kojR was down-regulated in the Δgld3 strain. Furthermore, when kojA or kojR was overexpressed in the Δgld3 strain, the yield of kojic acid was restored, suggesting that AoGld3 is involved in kojic acid production through affecting the expression of kojR and kojA. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into our understanding of glycerol dehydrogenase and establish foundation for further study of their roles in Aspergillus oryzae.

Suppression of OSCC malignancy by oral glands derived-PIP identified by iTRAQ combined with 2D LC-MS/MS.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy in head and neck cancer and a global cause of cancer-related death. Due to the poor survival rates associated with OSCC, there is a growing need to develop novel technologies and predictive biomarkers to improve disease diagnosis. The identification of new cellular targets in OSCC tumors will benefit such developments. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics analysis combined with 2-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS) were used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between tumor and normal tissues. Of the DEPs detected, the most significantly downregulated protein in OSCC tissue was prolactin-inducible protein (PIP). Clonogenic and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) experiments showed that the proliferation capacity of OSCC cells overexpressing PIP decreased due to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint. Wound-healing and transwell assay further showed that PIP overexpression also reduced the migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to analyze the expression in OSCC, indicating that PIP may be secreted by glandular cells and have an inhibitory effect on OSCC cells to produce. In western blot analysis, silencing studies confirmed that PIP mediates these effects through the AKT/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling axis in OSCC cells. Taken together, this study reveals PIP as a key mediator of OSCC cell growth, migration, and invasion through its effect on AKT/MAPK signaling.

Proteomic analysis of the rice (Oryza officinalis) provides clues on molecular tagging of proteins for brown planthopper resistance.

BACKGROUND: Among various pests, the brown planthopper (BPH) that damages rice is the major destructive pests. Understanding resistance mechanisms is a critical step toward effective control of BPH. This study investigates the proteomics of BPH interactions with three rice cultivars: the first resistant (PR) to BPH, the second susceptible (PS), and the third hybrid (HR) between the two, in order to understand mechanisms of BPH resistance in rice. RESULTS: Over 4900 proteins were identified from these three rice cultivars using iTRAQ proteomics study. A total of 414, 425 and 470 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected from PR, PS and HR, respectively, after BPH infestation. Identified DEPs are mainly enriched in categories related with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. A two-component response regulator protein (ORR22) may participate in the early signal transduction after BPH infestation. In the case of the resistant rice cultivar (PR), 6 DEPs, i.e. two lipoxygenases (LOXs), a lipase, two dirigent proteins (DIRs) and an Ent-cassa-12,15-diene synthase (OsDTC1) are related to inheritable BPH resistance. A heat shock protein (HSP20) may take part in the physiological response to BPH infestation, making it a potential target for marker-assisted selection (MAS) of rice. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed eight genes encoding various metabolic proteins involved in BPH resistance. During grain development the expressions of these genes varied at the transcriptional and translational levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides comprehensive details of key proteins under compatible and incompatible interactions during BPH infestation, which will be useful for further investigation of the molecular basis of rice resistance to BPH and for breeding BPH-resistant rice cultivars.

Interleukin-8/ß-catenin mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the tooth development and tumor invasion. We investigated the effect of interleukin-8 (IL-8) on the EMT process in primary-cultured ameloblastoma tumor cells (AM-P) and ameloblastoma immortalized tumor cells (AM-L) and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: IL-8 levels in ameloblastomas were detected by immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. AM-P cells and AM-L cells were stimulated with IL-8, and EMT transcription factors, total ß-catenin and phosphorylated-ß-catenin (p-ß-catenin) levels were determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. ß-catenin siRNA was used to knockdown ß-catenin expression in AM-P cells and AM-L cells stimulated with IL-8. RESULTS: IL-8 was highly expressed in the solid ameloblastomas. IL-8 promoted the EMT process in ameloblastoma tumor cells in vitro, as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin, twist and zeb1 levels. IL-8 also increased total ß-catenin and p-ß-catenin expression in ameloblastoma tumor cells, and ß-catenin knockdown partially inhibited the EMT process in tumor cells, as evidenced by increased E-cadherin, and decreased vimentin and zeb1 levels. CONCLUSIONS: IL-8 could promote EMT in ameloblastoma tumor cells by activating ß-catenin and its downstream transcription factor zeb1.

Heterologous expression of AoD9D enhances salt tolerance with increased accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid in transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Salt stress can trigger several physiological responses in microorganisms such as the increasing accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid, which was biosynthesized by delta-9 fatty acid desaturases (D9D) at the first step. In the present study, two D9D genes, designated AoD9D1 and AoD9D2, were isolated from Aspergillus oryzae. The expression analysis showed that AoD9D1 and AoD9D2 were upregulated under salt stress. To investigate the function of AoD9D, transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that heterologously expressed AoD9D were exposed to salinity condition. These transgenic strains exhibited greater tolerance to salt stress than wild-type strains, and the heterologous expression of AoD9D increased the content in unsaturated fatty acids as compared to control cells. Moreover, AoD9D1 and AoD9D2 both contained fatty acid desaturase (FAD) and cytochrome b5-like Heme/Steroid-binding domains (Cyt-b5). S. cerevisiae separately transformed with the gene fragments coding for the FAD and Cyt-b5 domains in the AoD9D1 protein grew better and accumulated a higher concentration of unsaturated FAs than the control. Altogether, the heterologous expression of AoD9D enhanced the tolerance of transgenic S. cerevisiae to high salinity stress with increased accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid. The results provide some practical basis for the successful development of salt-tolerant fermentation microorganisms.

Identification and characterization of the ZRT, IRT-like protein (ZIP) family genes reveal their involvement in growth and kojic acid production in Aspergillus oryzae.

The ZRT, IRT-like protein (ZIP) family exists in many species and plays an important role in many biological processes, but little is known about ZIP genes in Aspergillus oryzae. Here, 10 ZIP genes in A. oryzae were identified and these were classified into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The structures of these AoZip genes were determined, which indicated a great divergence of AoZip members from different groups. Synteny analysis revealed that AoZip7, AoZip8, and AoZip10 are conserved among Aspergillus species. We also found that the promoter regions of AoZip2, AoZip7, AoZip8, and AoZip10 contain multiple conserved response elements. Expression analysis revealed that AoZips exhibited different expression patterns in response to different metal treatments. Moreover, overexpression and RNA-interference (RNAi) of AoZip2 led to a decrease in mycelium growth diameter and inhibited conidia formation. AoZip2 overexpression and RNAi strains showed distinct sensitivity to severely Zn/Mn-depleted stress. In addition, kojic acid production was markedly lower in AoZip2 overexpression and RNAi strains than in the control strains, and the expression of kojA, kojR, and kojT was down-regulated in AoZip2 overexpression and RNAi strains. This study provides new insights into our understanding of ZIP genes and lays a foundation for further investigation of their roles in Aspergillus oryzae.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Interleukin-6 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Acquisition of Epithelial Stem-Like Cell Properties in Ameloblastoma Epithelial Cells.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological process associated with cancer stem-like or cancer-initiating cell formation, contributes to the invasiveness, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence of the malignant tumors; it remains to be determined whether similar processes contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of ameloblastoma (AM), a benign but locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm. Here, we demonstrated that EMT- and stem cell-related genes were expressed in the epithelial islands of the most common histologic variant subtype, the follicular AM. Our results revealed elevated interleukin (IL)-6 signals that were differentially expressed in the stromal compartment of the follicular AM. To explore the stromal effect on tumor pathogenesis, we isolated and characterized both mesenchymal stromal cells (AM-MSCs) and epithelial cells (AM-EpiCs) from follicular AM and demonstrated that, in in vitro culture, AM-MSCs secreted a significantly higher level of IL-6 as compared to the counterpart AM-EpiCs. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that exogenous and AM-MSC-derived IL-6 induced the expression of EMT- and stem cell-related genes in AM-EpiCs, whereas such effects were significantly abrogated either by a specific inhibitor of STAT3 or ERK1/2, or by knockdown of Slug gene expression. These findings suggest that AM-MSC-derived IL-6 promotes tumor-stem like cell formation by inducing EMT process in AM-EpiCs through STAT3 and ERK1/2-mediated signaling pathways, implying a role in the etiology and progression of the benign but locally invasive neoplasm. Stem Cells 2017;35:2083-2094.

Chin remodeling in a patient with bimaxillary protrusion and open bite by using mini-implants for temporary anchorage.

Patients with bimaxillary protrusion may have an unattractive profile with a retruded chin contour. Correction of the severely protrusive anterior alveolar bone and teeth combined with a moderate open bite without orthognathic surgery can be challenging. This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a woman with severe bimaxillary protrusion and a moderate open bite. Excellent chin morphology and facial appearance were obtained with the extraction of 4 first premolars and 4 third molars, and total distalization of both arches with 4 mini-implants, one in each quadrant between the second premolar and the first molar. The total treatment time was 30 months.

Pharyngeal Airway Space and Hyoid Bone Positioning After Different Orthognathic Surgeries in Skeletal Class II Patients.

PURPOSE: To obtain good profiles, patients with severe skeletal Class II malocclusion require orthognathic surgery, which might change their airway space and, hence, influence their quality of sleep. The present study aimed to 1) determine the effect of different orthognathic surgeries on pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion and 2) evaluate the stability of changes in the pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position after orthognathic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with severe skeletal Class II malocclusion who underwent mandibular advancement (MA) or mandibular advancement and maxillary setback (MAMS) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Changes in the pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position were evaluated as the primary outcome variables. Measurements were obtained before surgery (T1), 1 month after surgery (T2), and 2 years after surgery (T3) using Dolphin Imaging Software 11.0. Differences in measurements between T2 and T1 and between T3 and T1 were calculated and imported into SPSS 22.0 for data analysis. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included (25 in MA group and 25 in MAMS group). Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway cross-dimensions and areas were significantly increased in the MA group (P < .05) and the increases were stable at T3. In the MAMS group, the nasopharyngeal airway cross-dimension and area were decreased (P > .05), but the hypopharyngeal cross-dimension and area were significantly increased (P < .05). The hyoid bone moved superiorly and forward after surgery in the MA group (P < .05), and the movement was stable at T3. CONCLUSIONS: MA can widen the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway space, and maxillary setback can narrow the nasopharyngeal airway space. Some relapse related to the width of the oropharynx and hypopharynx was found at the long-term observation. The hyoid bone moved superiorly and forward in the MA group.

Proteomic analysis of seed storage proteins in wild rice species of the Oryza genus.

BACKGROUND: The total protein contents of rice seeds are significantly higher in the three wild rice species (Oryza rufipogon Grill., Oryza officinalis Wall. and Oryza meyeriana Baill.) than in the cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, there is still no report regarding a systematic proteomic analysis of seed proteins in the wild rice species. Also, the relationship between the contents of seed total proteins and rice nutritional quality has not been thoroughly investigated. RESULTS: The total seed protein contents, especially the glutelin contents, of the three wild rice species were higher than those of the two cultivated rice materials. Based on the protein banding patterns of SDS-PAGE, O. rufipogon was similar to the two cultivated rice materials, followed by O. officinalis, while O. meyeriana exhibited notable differences. Interestingly, O. meyeriana had high contents of glutelin and low contents of prolamine, and lacked 26 kDa globulin band and appeared a new 28 kDa protein band. However, for O. officinali a 16 kDa protein band was absent and a row of unique 32 kDa proteins appeared. In addition, we found that 13 kDa prolamine band disappeared while special 14 kDa and 12 kDa protein bands were present in O. officinalis. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis revealed remarkable differences in protein profiles of the wild rice species and the two cultivated rice materials. Also, the numbers of detected protein spots of the three wild rice species were significantly higher than those of two cultivated rice. A total of 35 differential protein spots were found for glutelin acidic subunits, glutelin precursors and glutelin basic subunits in wild rice species. Among those, 18 protein spots were specific and 17 major spots were elevated. Six differential protein spots for glutelin acidic subunits were identified, including a glutelin type-A 2 precursor and five hypothetical proteins. CONCLUSION: This was the first report on proteomic analysis of the three wild rice species. Overall results suggest that there were many new types of glutelin subunits and precursor in the three wild rice species. Hence, wild rice species are important genetic resources for improving nutritional quality to rice.

Comparison of mandibular buccal shelf morphology between adolescents and adults with different vertical patterns using CBCT.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to analyze the anatomical structure of the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) in adolescents and adults with different vertical patterns to determine the optimal location for miniscrew insertion in orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 230 patients were utilized for measurements. The morphology and thickness of alveolar bone at the MBS were measured. Two-way ANOVA and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the influencing factors on alveolar bone and cortical bone thickness. RESULTS: Age had a significant effect on alveolar bone thickness (level I: F = 62.449, level II: F = 18.86, p < 0.001), cortical bone thickness (level II: F = 18.86, p < 0.001), alveolar bone tilt (F = 6.267, p = 0.013), and second molar tilt (F = 6.693, p = 0.01). Different vertical patterns also influenced alveolar bone thickness (level I: F = 20.950, level II: F = 28.470, p < 0.001), cortical bone thickness (level I: F = 23.911, level II: F = 23.370, p < 0.001), and alveolar bone tilt (F = 27.046, p < 0.001). As age increased, the alveolar bone thickness at level I decreased by 0.096 mm and at level II decreased by 0.073 mm. Conversely, the thickness of alveolar bone at level I and level II increased by 0.06 mm and 0.075 mm, respectively. The cortical bone thickness at level I and level II increased by 0.024 mm and 0.29 mm, respectively. However, the alveolar bone thickness decreased by 0.931 mm and 1.545 mm at level I and level II, and the cortical bone thickness decreased by 0.542 mm and 0.640 mm at level I and level II, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age, different vertical patterns, alveolar bone inclination, and different shapes of MBS significantly affected the thickness of alveolar bone and cortical bone in the MBS area. Notably, only alveolar bone thickness and cortical bone thickness at level II were affected by age and different vertical patterns simultaneously. These findings can provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners in selecting the most suitable location for miniscrew insertion during treatment planning.

Oroxylin A inhibits inflammatory cytokines in periodontitis via HO­1.

Periodontal disease is a common infectious disease that can lead to the loss of teeth. Hower how to effectively suppress the inflammation with medication is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti­inflammatory effect of Oroxylin A in periodontitis and its potential role through heme oxygenase­1 (HO­1). Primary rat gingival fibroblasts (RGFs) were cultured using the tissue block method and identified by immunofluorescence. Following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of RGFs, Oroxylin A was administered at 50, 100, 200 or 400 µg/ml. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR was used to assess mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)­2, TNF­α, RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Western blotting was used to detect protein expression levels of COX ­2, TNF­α, RANKL and OPG. Following HO­1 knockdown, the same treatment was performed. The expression of COX­2 in rat gingival tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry. One­way analysis of variance and Student's t test were used for statistical analysis. Oroxylin A downregulated mRNA expression of COX­2, TNF­α, RANKL and OPG in LPS­induced RGFs. With increase of Oroxylin A dose, the expression of HO­1 was gradually upregulated. When HO­1 was knocked down, Oroxylin A did not downregulate the expression of COX­2, TNF­α, RANKL and OPG in LPS­induced RGFs. Immunohistochemical results showed that expression of COX­2 was downregulated by Oroxylin A, and the expression of TNF­α, RANKL and OPG were also downregulated. Oroxylin A decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS­induced RGFs and had a good inhibitory effect on periodontitis in rats.