AMELX Mutations and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in X-Linked Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

AMELX mutations cause X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), known as AI types IE, IIB, and IIC in Witkop's classification, characterized by hypoplastic (reduced thickness) and/or hypomaturation (reduced hardness) enamel defects. In this study, we conducted whole exome analyses to unravel the disease-causing mutations for six AI families. Splicing assays, immunoblotting, and quantitative RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the molecular and cellular effects of the mutations. Four AMELX pathogenic variants (NM_182680.1:c.2T>C; c.29T>C; c.77del; c.145-1G>A) and a whole gene deletion (NG_012494.2:g.307534_403773del) were identified. The affected individuals exhibited enamel malformations, ranging from thin, poorly mineralized enamel with a "snow-capped" appearance to severe hypoplastic defects with minimal enamel. The c.145-1G>A mutation caused a -1 frameshift (NP_001133.1:p.Val35Cysfs*5). Overexpression of c.2T>C and c.29T>C AMELX demonstrated that mutant amelogenin proteins failed to be secreted, causing elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress and potential cell apoptosis. This study reveals a genotype-phenotype relationship for AMELX-associated AI: While amorphic mutations, including large deletions and 5' truncations, of AMELX cause hypoplastic-hypomaturation enamel with snow-capped teeth (AI types IIB and IIC) due to a complete loss of gene function, neomorphic variants, including signal peptide defects and 3' truncations, lead to severe hypoplastic/aplastic enamel (AI type IE) probably caused by "toxic" cellular effects of the mutant proteins.

Phenotypic variability in LAMA3-associated amelogenesis imperfecta.

OBJECTIVE: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is defined as inherited enamel malformations. LAMA3 (laminin alpha-3) encodes a critical protein component of the basement membrane (laminin-332). Individuals carrying heterozygous LAMA3 mutations have previously been shown to have localized enamel defects. This study aimed to define clinical phenotypes and to discern the genetic etiology for four AI kindreds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole-exome analyses were conducted to search for sequence variants associated with the disorder, and micro-computed tomography (µCT) to characterize the enamel defects. RESULTS: The predominant enamel phenotype was generalized thin enamel with defective pits and grooves. Horizonal bands of hypoplastic enamel with chalky-white discoloration and enamel hypomineralization were also observed and demonstrated by µCT analyses of affected teeth. Four disease-causing LAMA3 mutations (NM_198129.4:c.3712dup; c.5891dup; c.7367del; c.9400G > C) were identified. Compound heterozygous MMP20 mutations (NM_004771.4:c.539A > G; c.692C > T) were also found in one proband with more severe enamel defects, suggesting a mutational synergism on disease phenotypes. Further analyses of the AI-causing mutations suggested that both α3A (short) and α3B (long) isoforms of LAMA3 are essential for enamel formation. CONCLUSIONS: Heterozygous LAMA3 mutations can cause generalized enamel defects (AI1A) with variable expressivity. Laminin-332 is critical not only for appositional growth but also enamel maturation.

FAM20A mutations and transcriptome analyses of dental pulp tissues of enamel renal syndrome.

AIM: Biallelic loss-of-function FAM20A mutations cause amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) type IG, better known as enamel renal syndrome (ERS), characterized by severe enamel hypoplasia, delayed/failed tooth eruption, intrapulpal calcifications, gingival hyperplasia and nephrocalcinosis. FAM20A binds to FAM20C, the Golgi casein kinase (GCK) and potentiates its function to phosphorylate secreted proteins critical for biomineralization. While many FAM20A pathogenic mutations have been reported, the pathogeneses of orodental anomalies in ERS remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify disease-causing mutations for patients with ERS phenotypes and to discern the molecular mechanism underlying ERS intrapulpal calcifications. METHODOLOGY: Phenotypic characterization and whole exome analyses were conducted for 8 families and 2 sporadic cases with hypoplastic AI. A minigene assay was performed to investigate the molecular consequences of a FAM20A splice-site variant. RNA sequencing followed by transcription profiling and gene ontology (GO) analyses were carried out for dental pulp tissues of ERS and the control. RESULTS: Biallelic FAM20A mutations were demonstrated for each affected individual, including 7 novel pathogenic variants: c.590-5T>A, c.625T>A (p.Cys209Ser), c.771del (p.Gln258Argfs*28), c.832_835delinsTGTCCGACGGTGTCCGACGGTGTC CA (p.Val278Cysfs*29), c.1232G>A (p.Arg411Gln), c.1297A>G (p.Arg433Gly) and c.1351del (p.Gln451Serfs*4). The c.590-5T>A splice-site mutation caused Exon 3 skipping, which resulted in an in-frame deletion of a unique region of the FAM20A protein, p.(Asp197_Ile214delinsVal). Analyses of differentially expressed genes in ERS pulp tissues demonstrated that genes involved in biomineralization, particularly dentinogenesis, were significantly upregulated, such as DSPP, MMP9, MMP20 and WNT10A. Enrichment analyses indicated overrepresentation of gene sets associated with BMP and SMAD signalling pathways. In contrast, GO terms related to inflammation and axon development were underrepresented. Among BMP signalling genes, BMP agonists GDF7, GDF15, BMP3, BMP8A, BMP8B, BMP4 and BMP6 were upregulated, while BMP antagonists GREM1, BMPER and VWC2 showed decreased expression in ERS dental pulp tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of BMP signalling underlies intrapulpal calcifications in ERS. FAM20A plays an essential role in pulp tissue homeostasis and prevention of ectopic mineralization in soft tissues. This critical function probably depends upon MGP (matrix Gla protein), a potent mineralization inhibitor that must be properly phosphorylated by FAM20A-FAM20C kinase complex.

Dentists' performance in dentin-composite resin bonding before and after hands-on course learning.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The restoration longevity depends on a high dentin-composite bond quality. This study investigated learning outcomes when using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives among general practitioners in a hands-on bonding test course. METHODS: We recruited 30 general practitioners to perform shear bond strength (SBS) tests using five adhesives: one Peak® Universal Bond (PUB) etch-and-rinse and four Futurabond DC, Single Bond universal (SBU), Versa Optibond (VOB), and Tetric-N Bond Self-Etch (TNS) self-etch adhesives. SBS tests were conducted at pre-demonstration (pre-demo), post-demonstration (post-demo), and 24-h storage (delayed bonding) stages. SBS data were analyzed with paired Student's t-tests. We defined 17 MPa as "qualified bond strength (QBS)". The percentages of samples with SBS achieving QBS were analyzed using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests. The fracture surfaces of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Using PUB caused no significant differences in SBS between pre- and post-demo samples, whereas the SBS of the two self-etch adhesives (SBU and VOB) improved in post-demo samples (p < 0.05). SBU showed the highest percentage of samples with SBS achieving QBS in all three groups (pre-demo = 70%, post-demo = 83%, and delayed bonding = 76.5%). The QBS percentages of VOB and TNS notably improved from 0% (pre-demo) to 71.4% and 23.5% (post-demo), respectively. SEM indicated bubble-like defects at the dentin-resin interfaces in cases of low SBS. CONCLUSION: Bonding performance is both operator- and product-dependent. The continuing education hands-on course does help dentists to improve the bond strength especially when the self-etch system is used.

Crystal growth in dentinal tubules with bio-calcium carbonate-silica sourced from equisetum grass.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: One effective way to deal with dentin hypersensitivity is to develop materials to seal the tubules. The porous bio-calcium carbonate-silica (BCCS) contained well-dispersed CaCO3 would form calcium phosphates to seal the dentinal tubules when mixed with an acidic solution. The acidic hydrothermal treatment and calcination to isolate the BCCS from the agricultural waste like equisetum grass was used, which would be more environmentally friendly than chemically synthesized mesoporous biomaterials. The aim of this study was to develop mesoporous materials from natural resources to occlude the dentinal tubules which could be more environmentally-friendly. METHODS: Dentin disc samples were prepared and treated with different methods as follows: (1) BCCS mixed with H3PO4; (2) BCCS mixed with KH2PO4; (3) Seal & Protect® was used as a comparison group. Sealing efficacy was evaluated by measuring the depths and percentages of precipitate occlusion in dentinal tubules with SEM. RESULTS: The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of the BCCS demonstrated a pore size of around 15.0 nm and a surface area of 61 m2g-1. From the results of occlusion percentage and depth, the BCCS treated with H3PO4 or KH2PO4 demonstrated promising sealing efficacy than the commercial product. CONCLUSION: This synthetic process used the agricultural waste equisetum grass to produce bio-calcium carbonate-silica would be environmentally friendly, which has great potential in treating exposed dentin related diseases.

Effect of bFGF on the growth and matrix turnover of stem cells from human apical papilla: Role of MEK/ERK signaling.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) exhibits multiple biological functions in various tissues. Stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) can be isolated from human apical papilla tissues in developmental teeth of children. The purposes of this study were to investigate the expression of FGF receptors (FGFRs) and the effects of bFGF on SCAP and related MEK/ERK signaling. METHODS: SCAP cells were treated under different concentrations of bFGF with or without U0126 (an inhibitor of MEK/ERK). Expression of FGFR1 and FGFR2 in SCAP was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The expressions of type I collagen, cdc 2, cyclin B1, TIMP-1 and p-ERK proteins were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: SCAP cells expressed FGFR1 and FGFR2. Exposure of SCAP to bFGF enhanced cell proliferation, and the expression cyclinB1, cdc 2, and TIMP-1, but not type I collagen. U0126 pretreatment and co-incubation attenuated the bFGF-induced proliferation, cdc2, cyclin B1 and TIMP-1 proteins' expression, but not type I collagen in SCAP. CONCLUSION: SCAP cells express FGFRs. bFGF may stimulate proliferation and affect the matrix turnover of SCAP cells, possibly via stimulation of FGFRs and MEK/ERK signaling pathway. These results are useful for clinical therapies for apexogenesis and regeneration of pulpo-dentin complex.

Retraction Note to: A comparison of risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese patients.

The article "A comparison of risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese patients" has been retracted.

Strontium ion can significantly decrease enamel demineralization and prevent the enamel surface hardness loss in acidic environment.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Strontium ion may play a role similar to calcium ion in enamel remineralization. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strontium ion concentration gradient on the demineralization of enamel. METHODS: Citric acid and sodium citrate were used to prepare 16 different experimental acidic solutions with four different pH values (2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5) and four different strontium ion concentrations (0 M, 10-4 M, 10-3 M, and 10-2 M). Forty-eight human enamel samples were divided into 16 groups (n = 3) and immersed into the 16 different acidic solutions for 3 min. The phosphorus ion concentrations in 16 different acidic solutions were measured and compared. The enamel surface hardness was measured with a Vickers hardness tester. The energy dispersive spectrometer was used to detect the strontium ion content in the enamel surface. RESULTS: Addition the strontium ions to the acidic solution could reduce the dissolution of the enamel. At pH 3.5 and pH 5.5, significantly lower phosphorus ion concentrations were detected in the acidic solutions with the addition of 10-2 M strontium ions. There was a less reduction of enamel surface hardness, while the strontium ion concentration increased in the acidic solution. At pH 2.5, the addition of 10-4 M, 10-3 M, or 10-2 M strontium ions to the acidic solution resulted in a significant increase in the strontium ion content in the enamel surface. CONCLUSION: Strontium ion can decrease the dissolution of the enamel and prevent the enamel surface hardness loss in acidic environment.

The dentin permeability of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs: In vitro study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Stimuli from the oral cavity may penetrate through exposed dentinal tubules and evoke inflammatory pulp response. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs applied to exposed dentin may infiltrate through the dentinal tubules and cause pulp recovery. This study investigated the dentin permeability of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation drugs via an in-vitro transwell dentin disc tube model. METHODS: Twenty-seven dentin discs prepared from extracted human molars were collected. Nine kinds of drugs were investigated with three dentin discs in each group. These nine drugs included two anti-bacterial drugs (ampicillin sodium and clindamycin phosphate), two corticosteroids (betamethasone sodium phosphate and hydrocortisone sodium succinate), three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, piroxicam, lysine acetylsalicylate, and diclofenac sodium), and two natural extracts with anti-inflammatory effect (Ginsenoside Rg1 and Hinokitol). The drugs were introduced to the transwell dentin disc tube model and the 4-hour cumulative release of the drug was detected and recorded by UV-visible spectroscopy. RESULTS: We found that ampicilin sodium had better dentin permeability than clindamycin phosphate. Betamethasone sodium phosphate revealed better dentin permeability than hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Lysine acetylsalicylate showed the best dentin permeability among the three NSAIDs. Ginsenoside Rg1 had the best dentin permeability among the nine drugs tested. However, Hinokitiol could not penetrate the dentin disc after 4 h. CONCLUSION: Regarding the dentin permeability, Ginsenoside Rg1 is the best among the seven anti-inflammatory drugs tested and ampicilin sodium is the better one between the two anti-bacterial drugs tested. Therefore, these two drugs may have high potential for treating exposed dentinal tubule diseases.

IL-1ß-induced ICAM-1 and IL-8 expression/secretion of dental pulp cells is differentially regulated by IRAK and p38.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the acute and chronic inflammatory processes of dental pulp. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and IL-8 are two major inflammatory mediators. However, the role of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) signaling pathways in responsible for the inflammatory effects of IL-1ß on dental pulp cells is not clear. METHODS: Cultured human dental pulp cells were exposed to IL-1ß with/without pretreatment and co-incubation with IRAK1/4 inhibitor or SB203580 (p38 inhibitor). IRAK-1 phosphorylation was evaluated by immunno fluorescent staining. The protein expression of ICAM-1 and IL-8 were tested by western blotting. The secretion of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) and IL-8 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). RESULTS: IL-1ß stimulated IRAK-1 phosphorylation of pulp cells within 120 min of exposure. IRAK1/4 inhibitor attenuated the IL-1ß-induced ICAM-1, but not IL-8 protein expression. IRAK1/4 inhibitor also prevented the IL-1ß-induced sICAM-1, but not IL-8 secretion. SB203580 showed little effect on IL-1ß-induced sICAM-1 secretion, but effectively inhibited its induction of IL-8 secretion in pulp cells. CONCLUSION: The Results reveal the important role of IL-1ß in pulpal inflammatory responses via stimulation of IL-8 and ICAM-1 expression and secretion. Moreover, IL-1ß-induced effects on IL-8 and ICAM-1 are differentially regulated by IRAK1/4 and p38 signaling in dental pulp cells. Blocking of IRAKs and p38 signaling may have potential to control inflammation of dental pulp in the future.

A comparison of risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese patients.

PURPOSE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are important vision-threatening diseases worldwide. For effective treatment, the risk factors for the diseases merit investigation. This study aimed to compare the risk factors for nAMD vs. PCV in Chinese patients. METHODS: A total of 946 participants were recruited in this case-control study, including 281 patients with nAMD, 306 patients with PCV, and 359 controls. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Information on risk factors were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the difference in risk factors between nAMD and PCV. In a subgroup of subjects, serum lipid data were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Risk factors for nAMD included older age (OR 1.03, P = 0.001), male gender (OR 1.55, P = 0.020), asthma (OR 2.50, P = 0.028), smoking (OR 1.92, P = 0.001), and family history (OR 6.82, P = 0.001), while smoking (OR 1.67, P = 0.013) was the only risk factor for PCV. Compared to patients with PCV, patients with nAMD were more likely to be older and suffer from hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, rheumatism, and tumor. Interestingly, higher levels of high-density lipoprotein were positively associated with PCV in the subgroup analysis (OR 7.74, P = 0.011). Besides, results were quite different between the combination of patients with nAMD and PCV and patients with nAMD or PCV alone. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for nAMD and PCV is varying with the exception of smoking. Our findings suggest that different strategies might be applied in the clinical management and scientific research on nAMD and PCV.

Effects of fluoride and epigallocatechin gallate on soft-drink-induced dental erosion of enamel and root dentin.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Fluoride and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been proven to prevent dental caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fluoride and EGCG on soft-drink-induced dental erosion in vitro. METHODS: Forty enamel and dentin specimens were prepared from extracted human teeth. The specimens were divided into 4 groups and treated separately with distilled water (as control), 0.5 M sodium fluoride (NF), 400 µM EGCG (EG), and a solution containing 0.5 M NaF and 400 µM EGCG (FG). Cyclic erosive treatment was performed according to the experimental procedures. The specimens were analyzed using laser scanning confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a microhardness tester. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The amount of substance loss was lower in the NF and EG groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The erosion-caused substance loss was more pronounced in the dentin than in the enamel specimens. Surface microhardness loss was lower in the NF and EG groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The diameter of the dentinal tubule was wider in the control group than in the NF and EG groups (p < 0.05). No combined effects were observed in the FG group. CONCLUSION: Both fluoride and EGCG are effective in preventing soft-drink-induced erosion compared with the control group. Fluoride and EGCG may interfere with each other. The mechanisms of the anti-erosive effect need to be explored in the future.

IL-1ß induced IL-8 and uPA expression/production of dental pulp cells: Role of TAK1 and MEK/ERK signaling.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the inflammatory processes of dental pulp. IL-8 and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) are two inflammatory mediators. However, the role of transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways in responsible for the effects of IL-1ß on IL-8 and uPA expression/secretion of dental pulp cells are not clear. METHODS: Human dental pulp cells were exposed to IL-1ß with/without pretreatment with 5z-7-oxozeaneaeol (a TAK1 inhibitor) or U0126 (a MEK/ERK inhibitor). TAK1 activation was determined by immunofluorescent staining. The protein expression of IL-8 was tested by western blot. The expression of IL-8 and uPA mRNA was studied by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The secretion of IL-8 and uPA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Exposure of dental pulp cells to IL-1ß (0.1-10 ng/ml) stimulated IL-8 and uPA expression. IL-1ß also induced IL-8 and uPA secretion of dental pulp cells. IL-1ß stimulated p-TAK1 activation of pulp cells. Pretreatment and co-incubation of pulp cells by 5z-7oxozeaenol (1 and 2.5 µM) and U0126 (10 and 20 µM) prevented the IL-1ß-induced IL-8 and uPA expression. 5z-7oxozeaenol and U0126 also attenuated the IL-1ß-induced IL-8 and uPA secretion. CONCLUSION: IL-1ß is important in the pathogenesis of pulpal inflammatory diseases and repair via stimulation of IL-8 and uPA expression and secretion. These events are associated with TAK1 and MEK/ERK signaling. Blocking of TAK1 and MEK/ERK signaling has potential to control inflammation of dental pulp.

A mesoporous biomaterial for biomimetic crystallization in dentinal tubules without impairing the bonding of a self-etch resin to dentin.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: CaCO3@mesoporous silica reacted with phosphoric acid (denoted as CCMS-HP) enables the growth of calcium phosphate crystals in dentinal tubules. This study tested whether CCMS-HP could be used to form a biomimetic barrier on the exposed dentin for prevention of dentin sensitivity without impairing the bonding of Single Bond Universal (SBU) self-etch adhesive to the dentin. METHODS: Twenty-four dentin disks were prepared and divided into three groups: (1) SBU group (n = 8), in which SBU self-etch adhesive was bonded to the dentin disk directly; (2) CCMS-HP group (n = 8), in which CCMS-HP was applied onto the dentin surface; and (3) CCMS-HP/SBU group (n = 8), in which the dentin surface was first treated with CCMS-HP and then boned by SBU. The permeation depth of crystals into the dentinal tubules was examined and measured with a scanning electron microscope. The shear bonding strength of SBU and CCMS-HP/SBU to dentin was also measured. RESULTS: The mean crystal permeation depth was 35.8 ± 6.9 µm for the CCMS-HP/SBU group and 33.6 ± 12.2 µm for the CCMS-HP group; no significant difference was found between the two groups. Moreover, the mean shear bonding strength was 22.7 ± 6.7 MPa for the CCMS-HP/SBU group and 23.3 ± 7.0 MPa for the SBU group. There was also no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CCMS-HP can be used to form a biomimetic barrier for prevention of dentin sensitivity because it neither impedes the bonding of SBU to dentin nor impairs the shear bonding strength between the SBU and dentin.

Erosive potential of soft drinks on human enamel: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Most soft drinks are acidic in nature. Regular consumption of these drinks may result in dental erosion. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the erosive potential of different soft drinks in Taiwan by a novel multiple erosive method. METHODS: Four commercially available soft drinks in Taiwan were selected for this study. The properties of each product were analyzed to measure their pH, titratable acidity, and ion contents. The erosive potential of the soft drinks was measured based on the amount of loss of human enamel surface following its exposure to the soft drinks tested for different periods (20 minutes, 60 minutes, and 180 minutes). The enamel loss was measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: The pH values of the soft drinks were below the critical pH value (5.5) for enamel demineralization, and ranged from 2.42 to 3.46. The drink with ingredients of citric acid and ascorbic acid had the highest titratable acidity (33.96 mmol OH(-)/L to pH 5.5 and 71.9 mmol OH(-)/L to pH 7). Exposure to all the soft drinks resulted in loss of human enamel surface (7.28-34.07 µm for 180-minute exposure). The beverage with the highest calcium content had the lowest erosive potential. CONCLUSION: All tested soft drinks were found to be erosive. Soft drinks with high calcium contents have significantly lower erosive potential. Low pH value and high citrate content may cause more surface enamel loss. As the erosive time increased, the titratable acidity to pH 7 may be a predictor of the erosive potential for acidic soft drinks. The erosive potential of the soft drinks may be predicted based on the types of acid content, pH value, titratable acidity, and ion concentration.

The implication of instructional design for deciduous tooth identification in a dental morphology course for undergraduate dental students.

Background/purpose: The pediatric dentistry courses are lacking in our six-year undergraduate dental education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implication of instructional design for deciduous tooth identification in a dental morphology course for undergraduate dental students through students' perspectives. Materials and methods: A total of 34 s-year dental students who took this dental morphology course were invited to fill out the questionnaire for survey of instructional design for deciduous tooth identification after the class. Results: Of the 34 dental students, 32 of them participated in the survey with a valid response rate of 94.1%. The results showed that most students found the learning activity of instructional design for deciduous tooth identification to be helpful for improving their knowledge about deciduous dentition. Most of them also had positive attitude towards this instructional design. Conclusion: Since the proportion of pediatric dentistry courses in the undergraduate dental education is very low and children's oral problems are indeed faced by all dentists, it is important to add learning units of pediatric dentistry-related knowledge in different undergraduate dental professional courses or to propose strategies to promote students' awareness of self-directed learning about pediatric dentistry. This study may serve as a model for other undergraduate dental courses in Taiwan.

Orodental malformations associated with human MSX1 sequence variants.

BACKGROUND: MSX1 sequence variants have been known to cause human tooth agenesis (TA) with or without orofacial clefts. However, their roles during the whole processes of tooth development are not fully understood. This study aimed to characterize a 4-membered family with TA carrying a novel MSX1 pathogenic variant and investigate the disease mechanism. METHODS: The authors conducted whole exome analysis to define the disease-causing sequence variant. They performed microcomputed tomography, morphometric analyses, transcriptome profiling, and molecular characterization to study the affected teeth and the gene variant. RESULTS: The authors identified an MSX1 pathogenic variant, p.Glu232∗, in affected family members with TA and concomitant orodental anomalies, namely, prominent maxillary labial frenum, central incisor diastema, median maxillary anterior alveolar cleft, tooth fusion, mandibular molar dysmorphology, thin dentin layer, and slender dental roots. MSX1-defective teeth were not apparently microdontic but had thin dentin layers. The mandibular molars showed a homeotic transformation to maxillary counterparts. Genes involved in extracellular matrix organization and dentinogenesis, such as DMP1 and MMP20, were downregulated in dental pulp tissues of MSX1-defective teeth. The p.Glu232∗-truncated MSX1 properly localized to the nucleus but partially lost its transactivation ability. Analyzing reported cases indicated that truncation sequence variants within the homeobox domain of MSX1 caused a more severe TA phenotype than those outside of the homeobox domain, probably due to dominant negativity compared with haploinsufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides in vivo evidence that MSX1 contributes to developmental processes of various orodental tissues in humans. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinically, hypertrophic labial frenum, incisor diastema, and median maxillary anterior alveolar cleft might be considered diagnostic for MSX1-associated TA.

Sleep and its association with dental caries or myopia in first graders.

AIM: First grade is a transition from pre-school to school-age. The change in lifestyle behaviours such as sleep may have a physiological response, which contributes to the presence or absence of two highly incident diseases: dental caries or myopia. The aim of the study was to examine the association between sleep and myopia as well as sleep and dental caries in first graders. DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: This was a recruitment phase of an interventional study. A total of 338 children whose caregivers completed a Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Caregivers also provided information regarding myopia and caries status of children and their parents. Binary logistic regression was applied to analyse the potential risk factors. RESULTS: Dental caries and myopia rates were 45.9% and 9.5%, respectively. After adjusting for children's gender, children's age, fathers with caries and mothers with caries, the odds ratio for dental caries in children who slept less than 9 h when compared to those who slept for nine and more hours was 1.94. Mothers with caries were 3.37 times more likely to have children with caries than mothers without caries. However, sleep was not associated with myopia in first graders. CONCLUSION: Sleeping less than 9 h and maternal caries were risk factors of children developing dental caries. Future sleep and myopia studies can be conducted on higher graders who may present prolonged exposure and accumulations of myopic risk factors. IMPLICATIONS: Screening of children with insufficient sleep is needed for nurses to enable the early identification of high-risk groups for dental caries in school settings. Family nurses are encouraged to work with family members to implement tailored sleep interventions, in order to facilitate better sleep and oral health practices in both school and home settings. REGISTRATION: This study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: Redacted).

The dental use for periodontal diseases under the national health insurance system in Taiwan in 2021.

Background/purpose: Periodontal disease is one of the main oral diseases in humans. This study investigated the dental use for periodontal diseases under the National Health Insurance system (NHI) system in Taiwan in 2021. Materials and methods: The population data and medical records of the NHI system were obtained from the websites of the Ministry of the Interior and the NHI Administration, respectively. The dental patient data were divided into 18 age groups to analyze the dental use indicators for periodontal diseases under the NHI system in Taiwan in 2021. Results: The dental use rate for treatment of periodontal diseases (including gingivitis and periodontitis) had the highest peak (51.85%) in the 5-9-year age group under the NHI system in Taiwan in 2021. It dropped abruptly to a lower point (38.20%) in the 15-19-year age group, fluctuated and declined gradually with increasing age, and finally dropped to the lowest point of 18.78% in the greater than 85-year age group. Furthermore, the number of out-patient visits per 1000 people showed a similar trend. However, the medical expenses per person also showed a similar trend except the findings of the highest peak in the 55-59-year age groups. Conclusion: Periodontal disease is still the main disease of the oral cavity in Taiwan. From a cost-effectiveness viewpoint, Taiwan government shall develop a better oral health policy to decrease the incidence of periodontal diseases and to prevent periodontal diseases from deteriorating into the end age of tooth loss for all citizens, especially for patients of special needs.

The dental use for dental caries under the National Health Insurance system in Taiwan in 2020.

Background/purpose: The penetration rate of National Health Insurance (NHI) of Taiwan is as high as 99.9%. This study investigated the dental use for dental caries under the NHI system of Taiwan in 2020. Materials and methods: The population data and medical records of the NHI system were obtained from the websites of Ministry of the Interior and the NHI Administration, respectively. The dental patient data were divided into 18 age groups to analyze the dental use indicators for dental caries under the NHI system in Taiwan in 2020. Results: The dental use rate for treatment of dental caries had the highest peak (55.69%) in the 5-9-year age group under the NHI system in Taiwan in 2020. It dropped abruptly to a lower point (27.39%) in the 15-19-year age group, fluctuated and declined gradually with increasing age, and finally dropped to the lowest point of 10.10% in the greater than 85-year age group. Furthermore, the number of out-patient visits per 1000 people and the medical expenses per person for dental caries among the same 18 age groups also showed a similar trend to the dental use rate. Conclusion: Dental caries is still the main disease of the oral cavity in Taiwan. From a cost-effectiveness viewpoint, Taiwan government should develop a better oral health policy to decrease the incidence of dental caries and to prevent dental caries from deteriorating into diseases of the pulp and periapical tissues for all citizens, especially for young children and school children.