Bioactive peptides as a novel strategy to prevent alcoholic liver injury.

Alcohol intake has become one of the leading risks to human health and wellness, among which acute and/or chronic alcohol-induced liver injury is a leading threaten, with few therapeutic options other than abstinence. In recent years, studies suggested that certain bioactive peptides from food sources could represent natural and safe alternatives for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury. Hence, this chapter focus on the advanced research on bioactive peptides exerting hepatoprotective activity against alcoholic liver injury. The main sources of protein, strategies for the preparation of hepatoprotective hydrolysates and peptides, underlying mechanisms of peptides on hepatoprotection, and possible structure-activity relationship between peptides and hepatoprotective activity were summarized and discussed, aiming to give a systematic insight into the research progress of hepatoprotective peptides. However, more efforts would be needed to give a clearer insight into the underlying mechanisms and structure-activity relationship before using hepatoprotective peptides as functional food ingredients or dietary supplements.

Musculus senhousei peptides alleviated alcoholic liver injury via the gut-liver axis.

Alcoholic liver injury has become a leading threat to human health, with complicated pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Our previous study showed that Musculus senhousei peptides (MSPs) exhibit protective potential against early-stage alcoholic liver injury, although the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. In this study, histopathological analysis, mRNA abundance of injury-associated biomarkers, the gut microbiota, and faecal metabolome were evaluated using a mouse model subjected to acute alcohol exposure, aiming to identify the mechanism by which MSP can alleviate alcoholic hepatotoxicity. The results showed that MSP intervention significantly ameliorated symptoms of liver injury (suppressed serum ALT increment, hepatic lipid accumulation, and neutrophil infiltration in liver tissue), and reversed the abnormal mRNA abundance of biomarkers associated with oxidative stress (iNOS), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1ß, MCP-1, TNF-R1, and TLR4), and apoptosis (Bax and Casp. 3) in the liver. Moreover, MSP improved intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1 and Claudin-3). Further analysis of faecal microbiota and metabolome revealed that MSP promoted the growth of tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria (Clostridiales, Alistipes, and Odoribacter), leading to increased production of indole derivatives (indole-3-lactic acid and N-acetyltryptophan). These results suggested that MSPs may alleviate alcohol-induced liver injury targeting the gut-liver axis, and could be an effective option for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Temporomandibular disorder patients with excessive daytime sleepiness present greater pain intensity and reduced jaw function.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders are associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Limited studies have focused on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and its impact on jaw functions in TMD patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to identify the impact of EDS on pain and jaw function in TMD patients. METHODS: A total of 338 TMD patients (50 males and 288 females) was included. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to classify patients into EDS group (score ≥ 10) and non-EDS group (score < 10). The Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 8-item (JFLS-8) was used to assess the severity of jaw dysfunction. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9). All included patients were diagnosed with pain-related TMD (PT), intra-articular TMD (IT) or combined TMD (CT). RESULTS: Compared with non-EDS patients, EDS patients exhibited more severe jaw dysfunction, greater pain intensity and higher PHQ-9 scores (p < .05). Multivariate analyses showed that EDS (B = 3.69), female gender (B = 3.69), and elevated GAD-7 score (B = 0.73) were significantly associated with an increased score on the JFLS-8 (p < .05). Moreover, bivariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between EDS and PT (OR = 2.70, p = .007). CONCLUSION: The presence of EDS was more closely related to PT, but the causal relationship between them needs to be further confirmed. More concern and intervention to alleviate poor sleep quality might be highlighted during the treatment of TMD, especially PT subtype.

Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Temporomandibular Disorders among Postgraduate Dental Students and Practicing Dentists in Western China: A Questionnaire-Based Observational Investigation.

Background: It is necessary for dental students and dentists to apply their temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)-related knowledge to clinical practice. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of postgraduate dental students and practicing dentists regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of TMD in western China and thus provide suggestions on TMD curricula design to get postgraduate students and dentists better prepared for TMD diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This observational and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduate students and practicing dentists in western China. Twenty-five reorganized knowledge questions in four domains were selected from the published literature and were evaluated with answer options from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree," and "I don't know." "Consensus" is defined as more than 50% of respondents in a group agree or disagree with a statement. Chi-square tests were performed for comparisons between the two groups. Results: A total of 132 postgraduate dental students and 123 dentists completed the questionnaire. Around 75% of postgraduate students and 85% of dentists claimed that they have never participated in systematic training in TMD. Nine statements in etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of TMD had different consensus between the two groups. And the dentist group tended to agree more with 12 statements in the questionnaire. Conclusions: The majority of Chinese dentists and dental students have not taken any TMD courses and possess limited knowledge of TMD. Curriculum reform for predoctoral education, postgraduate education, and continuing education is needed to augment knowledge and skills for TMD diagnosis and treatment.

Age and Gender, but Not Pain are Associated with Pressure Pain Thresholds in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the association of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) with age, gender, and pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Patients and Methods: A total of 301 TMD patients (248 female and 53 male) were recruited and classified into the high and low age groups according to their median age of 26 years. Patients' demographics, pain-related variables, TMD-related variables, and PPTs of both left and right temporomandibular joints (TMJs), masseter, and temporalis were collected. Results: Pain duration and visual analog scale of pain (VAS) showed no significant correlations with PPTs (P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive association of PPTs of all six sites with males (ß=0.41-0.72 kg·cm-2, 95% CI (0.19-0.38, 0.74-0.99), P<0.001), as well as with the high age group [ß=0.28-0.36 kg·cm-2, 95% CI (0.07-0.20, 0.47-0.53), P<0.020]. Furthermore, PPTs of the left TMJ showed a significant negative association with left pain-related TMD (PT) [ß=-0.21 kg·cm-2, 95% CI (-0.38, -0.04), P=0.026], but PPTs of the remaining sites did not show a significant association with PT (P>0.05). Stratified analysis showed that PPTs in females were associated with the high age group [ß=0.25-0.37 kg·cm-2, 95% CI (0.04-0.20, 0.45-0.56), P<0.020] and that PPT of the left TMJ was associated with left PT [ß=-0.21 kg·cm-2, 95% CI (-0.39, -0.03), P=0.043]. The remaining PPTs did not show a significant association with PT (P>0.05). In males, PPTs did not show significant correlations with age, PT and VAS (P>0.05). Conclusion: PPTs in the orofacial region are associated with gender and age in TMD patients. Pain duration and intensity show no significant correlations with PPTs in TMD patients. Researchers and dentists should take age and gender into account when using PPTs as auxiliary diagnostic indicators for PT.

Enlarged occipital spur and craniofacial morphology: a cephalometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the occipital spur length and craniofacial morphology in individuals with occipital spur (OS). METHODS: The study included cephalometric images from 451 individuals (196 females, 255 males, age range was 9-84 years). The spur length and craniofacial characteristics were evaluated using cephalograms. Based on spur length, subjects were divided into two groups: the OS group (N = 209) and the enlarged occipital spur (EOS) group (N = 242). Descriptive statistics, Independent T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and age- and sex-based stratified analyses were performed. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Males had significantly larger spur length than females. Spur length was shorter in individuals under 18 than the groups over 18. After adjusting for gender and age, ramus height, mandibular body length, effective length of maxilla, effective length of mandible, anterior cranial base length, posterior cranial base length, anterior facial height, posterior facial height, facial height index, and lower anterior facial height had statistically significant differences between OS group and EOS group. CONCLUSIONS: Males exhibit greater spur length than females. Patients under 18 had a shorter spur length than adults. Linear craniofacial measurements were found to be greater in subjects with EOS than the individuals with OS. The craniofacial growth and development of an individual might be associated with EOS. The causal relationship between EOS and craniofacial development requires further longitudinal studies.

Do Temporomandibular Disorder Patients with Joint Pain Exhibit Forward Head Posture? A Cephalometric Study.

Purpose: To evaluate head and cervical posture in individuals with or without temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and to assess the correlations between pain, severity of symptoms, and posture. Methods: A total of 384 patients (129 males and 255 females) was included. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) was used to assess the severity and prevalence of TMD and the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Patients were divided into three groups: the TMD-free group, TMD without TMJ pain group, and TMD with TMJ pain group. Subsequently, the patients with TMJ pain were further divided into mild TMD and moderate/severe TMD groups. Nine parameters were traced on cephalograms to characterize the head and cervical posture. Results: TMD patients with TMJ pain showed increased forward head posture (FHP) than patients without TMJ pain and TMD-free subjects. No significant difference was observed between the TMD patients without TMJ pain and TMD-free subjects. In the TMD patients with the TMJ pain group, the moderate/severe TMD patients demonstrated increased FHP compared to mild TMD patients. TMD patients with joint pain had greater CVT/RL (B = 3.099), OPT/RL (B = 2.117), and NSL/C2' (B = 4.646) than the patients without joint pain after adjusting for confounding variables (P < 0.05). Conclusion: TMD patients with TMJ pain showed increased FHP compared to other groups, and FHP became more significant as TMD severity increased in male patients, indicating the FHP might play an important role in the development of TMJ pain. In the clinical assessment of TMD, the patients' abnormal head and cervical posture might be considered.

Musculus senhousei as a promising source of bioactive peptides protecting against alcohol-induced liver injury.

Alcohol-induced liver injury has become a leading risk for human health, however, effective strategies for the prevention or treatment are still lacking. Hence, the present study explored the potential of Musculus senhousei as a source of hepatoprotective peptides against alcoholic liver injury using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. Results indicated that Musculus senhousei peptides (MSP, extracted by simulated gastrointestinal digestion of cooked mussel) exhibited notable antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH assays) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) stabilizing activity in vitro. The ingestion of MSP markedly alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury in mice, as indicated by the decrease of serum transaminases (AST and ALT). In line with in vitro assays, significantly increased hepatic ADH activity and activated antioxidative defense system (GSH, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT) were observed, whereas the oxidative stress (MDA) was decreased. Peptidomic analysis revealed over 6000 peptides with favorable amino acid compositions, and a total of 20 potentially novel peptides with bioactivity and bioavailability were excavated among 746 of the most influential peptides using an in silico strategy. Peptides (i.e. WLPMKL, WLWLPA, RLC and RCL) were further synthesized and validated in vitro to be bioactive. These findings suggest that Musculus senhousei can be an ideal source of bioactive peptides for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Two Laminaria japonica polysaccharides with distinct structure characterization affect gut microbiota and metabolites in hyperlipidemic mice differently.

Our previous study found dietary mannogluconic acid (MA) and fucogalactan sulfate (FS) from Laminaria japonica have distinct structure characterization and potential hypolipidemic effects in vitro. Herein, we compared the benefits of MA and FS on hyperlipidemia. The result showed only FS treatment decreased body weight and serum cholesterol levels. Compared with MA, FS was more effective in mitigating hepatic fat accumulation, promoting GSH-Px activity, reducing the MDA formation, and lowering the level of TNF-α in liver. Gut microbiota and metabolism analysis revealed that FS increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and boosted the level of short chain fatty acids. Particularly, taurine and 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-24-oxo-5-ß-cholestanoyl CoA were upregulated by FS, which might attribute to the increased Oscillibacter and thus affect the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and serum TC level. Therefore, FS with more branches and sulfate ester groups could be a good lipid-lowering dietary supplement.

Effect of Bergamot and Laoxianghuang Polysaccharides on Gut Microbiota Derived from Patients with Hyperlipidemia: An Integrative Analysis of Microbiome and Metabolome during In Vitro Fermentation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bergamot polysaccharide (BP) and Laoxianghuang polysaccharides (LPs, fermented bergamot) on the microbiome and metabolome during the in vitro fermentation of gut microbiota from patients with hyperlipidemia. Results indicated that both BP and LPs were able to increase the production of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. However, only LPs could decrease the content of isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid, which are detrimental to gut health. A 16S rRNA analysis showed that both BP and LPs could reduce the proportion of Fusobacterium, whereas they increased the Bacteroides content in hyperlipidemia. Untargeted UPLC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling found six bio-markers that were significantly changed after BP and LPs intervention, and four of the down-regulated metabolites were long-chain fatty acids associated with vascular diseases. These findings provide new evidence that BP and LPs have the potential to regulate imbalances in the gut microbiota in patients with hyperlipidemia and ameliorate its metabolic abnormalities.

In vitro and in silico analysis of potential antioxidant peptides obtained from chicken hydrolysate produced using Alcalase.

Chicken hydrolysates (CHs) have been reported to protect mice against alcoholic liver injury possibly through oxidative stress reduction. In this study, the antioxidant activity of CHs was studied. Results showed that CHs exhibited significant antioxidant activity (around 600 and 400 µM TEAC/g in ORAC and ABTS assay, respectively) and could resist simulated gastrointestinal digestion. A total of 22 peptides were identified after antioxidant activity-oriented isolation using size-exclusion chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Further in silico analysis and the validation of antioxidant activity revealed that novel peptides (RWGG and YYCQ) exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The most active peptide YYCQ displayed a TEAC value of 3.54 and 4.28 µM TEAC/µM in ORAC and ABTS assay, respectively. These peptides could contribute to reduce oxidative stress and protect against alcohol-induced liver injury. However, further studies understanding the bioactivity of such peptides in vivo are necessary before further applying them as functional food ingredient.

The Beneficial Effects of Two Polysaccharide Fractions from Sargassum fusiform against Diabetes Mellitus Accompanied by Dyslipidemia in Rats and Their Underlying Mechanisms.

The current study aimed to assess the anti-diabetic effects and potential mechanisms of two Sargassum fusiform polysaccharide fractions (SFPs, named SFP-1 and SFP-2). The carbohydrate-loading experiment revealed that SFP-2 could control postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting the activity of digestive enzymes in rats. The analysis of diabetic symptoms and serum profiles indicated that SFPs could mitigate diabetes accompanied by dyslipidemia, and SFP-2 showed better regulatory effects on body weight, food intake and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and free fatty acid (FFA) in diabetic rats. Intestinal bacterial analysis showed that SFP treatment could reshape the gut flora of diabetic rats, and SFP-2 possessed a greater regulatory effect on the growth of Lactobacillus and Blautia than SFP-1. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that SFPs could regulate the genes involved in the absorption and utilization of blood glucose, hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism, and the effects of SFP-2 on the relative expressions of Protein kinase B (Akt), Glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and Cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) were greater than SFP-1. All above results indicated that SFPs could be exploited as functional foods or pharmaceutical supplements for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Do Specific Craniomaxillofacial Features Correlate with Psychological Distress in Adult Pretreatment Orthodontic Patients? A Cephalometric Study.

Purpose: To explore the relationship between craniomaxillofacial features and psychological distress among adult pretreatment orthodontic patients. Methods: A group of 190 patients (95 males and 95 females) was included. Questionnaires including the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) were sent to patients, and cephalograms were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to K10 score: psychological distress group (score ≥ 20) and no psychological distress group (score < 20). Nineteen hard tissue and thirteen soft tissue parameters were traced on cephalograms to characterize the craniomaxillofacial features. Results: There was no significant difference in gender or age distribution between the two groups. Male patients with psychological distress showed statistically significantly larger anterior facial height (AFH) (126.62 mm vs. 120.97 mm), upper lip length (25.11 mm vs. 23.26 mm), and smaller overbite (1.21 mm vs. 2.75 mm) than patients without psychological distress. Male patients with hyperdivergent pattern and open bite were more likely to have psychological distress. None of the parameters showed statistical differences across groups in females. Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (r = 0.235), Bjork's sum (r = 0.311), AFH (r = 0.322), overbite (r = -0.238), AFH/posterior facial height (r = 0.251), and upper anterior facial height (UAFH)/lower anterior facial height (LAFH) (r = -0.230) were correlated with K10 score in males. After adjusting gender and age, the AFH (B = 0.147) and UAFH/LAFH (B = -14.923) were significantly related with the K10 score. Conclusion: Psychological distress was mainly correlated with hyperdivergent pattern, open bite, and larger lower anterior facial height proportion in pretreatment orthodontic patients. Orthodontists should be aware of the possible underlying psychological distress in patients with specific craniomaxillofacial features. Clinical assessment of psychological distress may need to take into account gender differences in patients.

Craniofacial Morphology of Orthodontic Patients with and without Temporomandibular Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: We aimed to explore the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and craniofacial morphology in orthodontic patients. Methods: Altogether, 262 orthodontic patients were included and divided into two groups according to their Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) scores: a no-TMD group (control group, FAI < 20) and a TMD group (FAI ≥ 20). Cephalometric parameters including cranial, maxillary, mandibular, and dental parameters were traced on cephalograms. Craniofacial morphology was compared between TMD and control groups, followed by subgroup analyses based on TMD severity, gender, age, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms. Results: The prevalence of TMDs was 52.7% among included patients (138/262). The mean age of TMD patients was higher than that of the control group. No significant difference in gender distribution between the groups was observed. The most commonly reported FAI items were misaligned teeth, neck pain, and emotional tension. The Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA) was larger in the TMD patients than in the control group, whereas no significant differences in other parameters were observed. Subgroup analysis based on TMD severity revealed that FMA and anterior facial height of moderate/severe TMD patients were significantly larger than those of mild or no-TMD patients. Among male patients, the anterior cranial base length was smaller, and the anterior facial height was larger in the TMD group. Among female patients, no significant differences in craniofacial morphology between the groups were observed. In juvenile patients, overjet and overbite were smaller in the TMD group. In adult patients, SNA, ANB, FMA, and gonial angle were larger in the TMD group. Within the TMD group, patients with TMJ pain or noises exhibited characteristic craniofacial features compared to patients without these symptoms. Conclusions: Orthodontic patients with TMDs have specific craniofacial morphology, suggesting a relationship between TMDs and particular craniofacial features in orthodontic patients.

Rheology and stability of concentrated emulsions fabricated by insoluble soybean fiber with few combined-proteins: Influences of homogenization intensity.

Insoluble soybean fiber with few proteins, which is extracted from defatted okara by homogeneous combined with alkali treatment, was used to prepare concentrated emulsions. Firstly, insoluble soybean fiber extracted under pH12 was used to fabricate concentrated emulsions containing various particle concentrations and oil volume fractions and the optimized condition was obtained. Subsequently, insoluble soybean fiber extracted under pH12 followed by different homogeneous strengths were utilized. Concentrated emulsions stabilized by insoluble soybean fiber that was subjected to stronger homogenization presented lower absolute values of the ζ-potential about -47.7 mV and average droplet sizes of 37.0 µm approximately. Moreover, these emulsions exhibited a higher viscosity and elastic modulus, thereby providing better stability and less pronounced environmental sensitivities towards either pH 5 or 100 mM NaCl. Overall, results revealed that insoluble soybean fiber with few protein, especially subjected to homogenization during fiber extraction, was well suited to fabricate concentrated emulsions.

The edible seaweed Laminaria japonica contains cholesterol analogues that inhibit lipid peroxidation and cyclooxygenase enzymes.

In this study, 5 sterols were isolated and purified from Laminaria japonica, commonly known as edible brown seaweed, and their structures were identified based on detailed chemical methods and spectroscopic analyses. Spectroscopic analyses characterized 5 sterols as 29-Hydroperoxy-stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3ß-ol, saringosterol (24-vinyl-cholest-5-ene-3ß,24-diol), 24-methylenecholesterol, fucosterol (stigmasta-5,24-diene-3ß-ol), and 24-Hydroperoxy-24-vinyl-cholesterol. The bioactivities of these sterols were tested using lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and -2) enzyme inhibitory assays. Fucosterol exhibited the highest COX-1 and -2 enzyme inhibitory activities at 59 and 47%, respectively. Saringosterol, 24-methylenecholesterol and fucosterol showed higher LPO inhibitory activity at >50% than the other compounds. In addition, the results of molecular docking revealed that the 5 sterols were located in different pocket of COX-1 and -2 and fucosterol with tetracyclic skeletons and olefin methine achieved the highest binding energy (-7.85 and -9.02 kcal/mol) through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bond. Our results confirm the presence of 5 sterols in L. japonica and its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

The association between problematic smartphone use and the severity of temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of different types of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms in young adults and determine their associations with problematic smartphone use (PSU). Methods: The data of the study were collected from local university students through an online questionnaire survey. Demographic information, Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) responses were gathered electronically and analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 163 male and 307 female respondents were participated in this study. The prevalence of PSU and TMD were 83.6% and 66.4%, respectively. There was a moderate statistical correlation between PSU and TMD among young adults (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). The logistic regression model revealed that the risk of TMD was 1.77 times higher in people with PSU than in those without PSU (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.04-3.06). PSU is a risk factor for pain-related TMD (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.08-3.04) but not intra-articular TMD. Conclusion: Subjects showed high prevalence of both TMD and PSU. People with PSU experienced more severe and frequent pain-related rather than intra-articular TMD symptoms than those without PSU. By reducing the problematic smartphone use, the risk factor of TMD might be avoided.

Morphometric evaluation of sella turcica and cranial base in patients with congenital absence of teeth.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the size and shape of sella turcica and cranial base in patients with different degrees of congenital absence of teeth. METHODS: The subjects comprised 322 patients from the Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from 2020 to 2021. Based on the number of congenital absence of teeth, the patients were divided into three groups: control group (without loss of teeth, n=112), group Ⅰ (loss of 1-2 teeth, n=104), and group Ⅱ (loss of 3 or more teeth, n=106). Uceph cephalometric software was used to measure the linear and angular parameters of cranial base. The length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were also calculated. The shape of sella turcica was described as normal or with aberrations. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were conducted with SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: No statistical differences were observed in the length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica and parameters related to the cranial base among the three groups (P>0.05). The incidence of sella turcica bridge among the three groups was statistically significant (P=0.013). The incidence was higher in the study group compared with the control group (P<0.05), and no significant difference was observed between groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the linear size of sella turcica and parameters related to the cranial base was not statistically different between normal subjects and patients with congenital absence of teeth, the incidence of sella turcica bridge was higher in patients with congenital absence of teeth, suggesting the possibly abnormal anatomical morphology of sella turcica in this population.

Comparison of hyoid bone positions among patients with different sagittal skeletal malocclusions / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To compare the hyoid bone position among patients with different sagittal skeletal malocclusions to provide a reference for clinicians to formulate treatment plans.@*Methods@#Lateral cephalograms of 284 orthodontic patients were selected. According to ANB angles, the types of skeletal malocclusion of patients were determined as follows: Class Ⅰ (1° ≤ ANB ≤ 5°), Class Ⅱ (ANB>5°) and Class Ⅲ (ANB<1°). Ten parameters were used to determine hyoid positions. After comparing the hyoid positions of the three groups, stratified analyses based on sex and age were conducted. @*Results @# No significant differences in demographic and vertical facial type features among skeletal Classes Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients were observed (P>0.05). The angle between the Gonion-hyoid point line and the hyoid point-Menton line (Go-Hy-Me) of Class Ⅱ patients was significantly smaller than that of Class Ⅰ patients, and the angle between the most anterior and inferior point of the third cervical vertebra-hyoid point line and the hyoid point-Sella line (C3-Hy-S) of Class Ⅲ patients was smaller than that of Class I patients (P<0.05). Age-stratified analysis showed that in the juvenile group, the C3-Hy-S of Class Ⅲ patients was significantly smaller than that of Class Ⅰ patients in males and females (P<0.05). In the adult female group, the Go-Hy-Me of Class Ⅱ patients was significantly smaller, and the distance from the hyoid point to the mandibular plane (Hy-MP) was larger than that noted in Class Ⅰ patients (P<0.05); no significant difference in hyoid position between male Class Ⅱ and I patients was observed (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#Compared with Class Ⅰ patients, the hyoid bone of Class Ⅱ patients in adult females was farther away from the mandible and that of Class Ⅲ patients in juveniles was farther away from the cervical vertebra and posterior cranial base.

Hyoid Bone Position in Patients with and without Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthrosis: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Cephalometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in hyoid bone position in patients with and without temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis (TMJOA). METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 427 participants whose osseous status was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography and classified into normal, indeterminate osteoarthrosis (OA), and OA. The hyoid bone position and craniofacial characteristics were evaluated using cephalograms. Patients were divided into the normal group (N = 89), indeterminate OA group (N = 182), and OA group (N = 156). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and age- and sex-based stratified analyses were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The differences in Hy to MP, Hy-RGn, Hy to C3-RGn, C3-RGn, and Go-Hy-Me among the three groups were statistically significant. The differences in the Frankfort-mandibular plane angle, saddle angle, articular angle, gonial angle, ramus height, and posterior facial height were statistically significant. After adjusting age and sex, the Hy-RGn and C3-RGn in the normal group were significantly greater than the OA group. No statistical differences were observed in the hyoid measurements in the stratified analyses in males or subjects less than 18 years old. The differences in Hy to MP, Hy to C3-RGn, and Go-Hy-Me in female patients among the three groups were statistically significant. The differences in Hy to SN, Hy to FH, Hy to PP, Hy to MP, Hy-RGn, Hy-C3, Hy to C3-RGn, Go-Hy-Me, Hy-S, and C3-Hy-S in adults were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The differences in the hyoid bone position, mainly relative to the mandible, were statistically significant in patients with or without TMJOA. The difference pattern varied among different age and sex groups. Clinical evaluation of the hyoid position must consider the age and sex of patients. Longitudinal studies are required to clarify the causal relationship between TMJOA and hyoid bone position.