The short- and long-term effects of congenital occlusion loss of the unilateral first permanent molar on the temporomandibular joint morphology and position: A retrospective study based on cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of congenital unilateral first permanent molar occlusal loss (CUMOL) on the morphology and position of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 37 patients with CUMOL (18 males and 19 females, mean age: 13.60 ± 4.38 years) were divided into two subgroups according to the status of second molar (G1: the second molar not erupted, n = 18, G2: second molar erupted, n = 19). The control group consisted of 33 normal occlusion patients (9 males and 24 females, mean age: 16.15 ± 5.44 years) and was divided into 2 subgroups accordingly (G3: the second molar had not erupted, n = 18, G4: the second molar had erupted and made contact with the opposing tooth, n = 15). Linear and angular measurements were used to determine the characteristics of TMJ. RESULTS: In G1, the condyle on the side of the CUMOL shifts posteriorly, with significant side differences observed in Anterior space (AS, P < .05) and Posterior space (PS, P < .05). However, with the eruption of the second permanent molars, in G2, the condyle on the CUMOL side moves posteriorly and inferiorly. This results in significant lateral differences in the AS (P < .05), PS (P < .05), and Superior space (SS, P < .05). Additionally, there is an increase in the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (TRF) on the CUMOL side (P < .05), and a decrease in the inclination of the bilateral articular eminences (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CUMOL can affect the position and the morphology of the condyle and was associated with the eruption of the second permanent molars. Before the eruption of the second permanent molars, CUMOL primarily affects the position of the condyle. After the emergence of the second permanent molars, CUMOL leads to changes in both the condyle's position and the morphology of the glenoid fossa.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of masticatory myositis and temporomandibular joint synovitis: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive physical stimulation application for the therapy of articular cartilage injury. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in treating masticatory myositis and synovitis in temporomandibular joint disorders and to establish an evaluation system to evaluate the clinical efficacy. METHODS: TMD patients who met the inclusion criteria in the temporomandibular joint clinic of the affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from April 3, 2021, to December 2021 were selected. Before the start and after 7 days of LIPUS treatment, the Fricton temporomandibular joint disorder index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Pressure Difference of Precision Manometer (PD) were measured. A paired t-test was used to compare the values of the Fricton index, VAS, and PD before and after treatment in each group. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between groups. RESULTS: After one week of LIPUS treatment, the PI, DI and CMI of the Fricton index in the masticatory myositis (PI: P < 0.001; CMI: P < 0.001; DI: P = 0.2641, ns) and the synovitis group (DI: P < 0.001; CMI: P < 0.001, PI: P = 0.9729, ns) significantly decreased. The VAS of the masticatory myositis group and the synovitis group were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). The PD between the affected and healthy sides of the masticatory myositis group and the synovitis group was significantly reduced (P < 0.001), and the reduction was more evident in the M group. CONCLUSIONS: LIPUS is effective in pain relief in patients with masticatory myositis and joint synovitis, meanwhile, masticatory myositis was more sensitive to LIPUS. A new comprehensive clinical efficacy evaluation system which includes PV, FI, and VAS was created to better 2 diagnose masticatory myositis and joint synovitis.

Inhibition of pathogenic microbes in oral infectious diseases by natural products: Sources, mechanisms, and challenges.

The maintenance of oral health is of utmost importance for an individual's holistic well-being and standard of living. Within the oral cavity, symbiotic microorganisms actively safeguard themselves against potential foreign diseases by upholding a multifaceted equilibrium. Nevertheless, the occurrence of an imbalance can give rise to a range of oral infectious ailments, such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Presently, clinical interventions encompass the physical elimination of pathogens and the administration of antibiotics to regulate bacterial and fungal infections. Given the limitations of various antimicrobial drugs frequently employed in dental practice, the rising incidence of oral inflammation, and the escalating bacterial resistance to antibiotics, it is imperative to explore alternative remedies that are dependable, efficacious, and affordable for the prevention and management of oral infectious ailments. There is an increasing interest in the creation of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources, which possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of natural products on the development and progression of oral infectious diseases. Specifically, these products exert their influences by mitigating dental biofilm formation, impeding the proliferation of oral pathogens, and hindering bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. The review also encompasses an examination of the various classes of natural products, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications and limitations in the context of oral infections. The insights garnered from this review can support the promising application of natural products as viable therapeutic options for managing oral infectious diseases.

Multivariate analysis of alveolar bone dehiscence and fenestration in anterior teeth after orthodontic treatment: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of fenestration and dehiscence between pre- and post-orthodontic treatment and to explore the factors related to fenestration and dehiscence in the anterior teeth after treatment. METHODS: This study included 1000 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 500 patients before (T1) and after (T2) orthodontic treatment. These images were imported into Dolphin 11.9 software to detect alveolar fenestration and dehiscence in the anterior teeth area. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare the prevalence of alveolar bone defects between time points T1 and T2. A total of 499 patients were selected for logistic regression analysis to examine the correlation among age, sex, crowding, sagittal facial type, extraction, miniscrew use and fenestration or dehiscence post-treatment. RESULTS: Except for the maxillary lingual fenestration and labial fenestration of mandibular canines, a significant change in the prevalence of fenestration and dehiscence was noted between time points T1 and T2 (P < .025). Multinomial logistic regression showed that age, miniscrew use and extraction highly influenced the prevalence of anterior lingual dehiscence (P < .05). Dehiscence of the mandibular labial side (skeletal Class III vs. I, OR = 2.368, P = .000) and fenestration of the mandibular lingual side (skeletal Class II vs. I, OR = 2.344, P = .044) were strongly correlated with the sagittal facial type. Dehiscence of the maxillary labial side (moderate vs. mild, OR = 1.468, P = .017) was significantly associated with crowding. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, maxillary moderate crowding, skeletal Class III, extraction and miniscrew potentially significantly affect the prevalence of anterior teeth dehiscence. Adult females, skeletal Class III patients on the mandibular labial side and skeletal Class II patients on the mandibular lingual side should be monitored for anterior teeth fenestration.

Biomechanical effects of joint disc perforation on the temporomandibular joint: a 3D finite element study.

BACKGROUND: Disc perforation (DP) is a severe type of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). DP may induce changes in the internal stresses of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Herein, this study attempts to investigate the biomechanical effects of different positions and sizes of DP on the TMJ using a biomechanical approach, to explore the mechanical pathogenesis of TMD. METHODS: Eleven three-dimensional finite element (FE)models of the TMJ were constructed based on CBCT imaging files of a patient with DP on the left side. These models included the disc with anterior displacement and discs with different locations and sizes of perforations on the affected disc. FE methods were conducted on these models. RESULTS: Anterior displacement of the disc leads to a significant increase in the maxim von Mises stress (MVMS) in both TMJs, with the affected side exhibiting a more pronounced effect. DP occurring at the posterior band and the junction between the disc and the bilaminar region has a greater impact on the MVMS of both TMJs compared to perforations at other locations. As the size of the perforation increases, both sides of the TMJs exhibit an increase in the magnitude of MVMS. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral disc anterior displacement results in an increased stress on both TMJs. Unilateral DP further affects the stress on both sides of the TMJs. TMD is a progressive condition, and timely intervention is necessary in the early stages to prevent the worsening of the condition.

Identification and expression analysis of the KNOX genes during organogenesis and stress responseness in Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze.

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.), whose leaves are the major reproductive organs, has been cultivated and consumed widely for its economic and health benefits. The Knotted1-like Homeobox (KNOX) proteins play significant roles in leaf morphology formation and development. However, the functions of KNOX proteins in tea plants are still unknown. Here, 11 CsKNOX genes from the tea plants were cloned and divided into Class I, II, and KNATM clades based on their protein sequences. These 11 CsKNOX genes were mapped on 8 out of 15 tea plant chromosomes, all localized in the nucleus. Specific spatiotemporal expression patterns of CsKNOX genes were found in various tissues and different development periods of buds, flowers, and roots of tea plants. Meanwhile, transcript levels of CsKNOX in tea leaves were strongly correlated with the accumulation of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins. It was found that most of the CsKNOX genes could respond to drought, salt, cold, and exogenous MeJA and GA3 by analysis of transcriptomics data and promoter elements. The protein interaction analysis showed that CsKNOX could cooperate with CsAS1 and other critical functional proteins. In conclusion, this research provided the basic information for the functions of the CsKNOX family during organogenesis and stress response in tea plants, which was necessary for further functional characterization verification.

Mechanical loading and autophagy: A study on the BoNT-A injection-induced condylar cartilage degeneration.

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has emerged as a treatment option for temporomandibular disorder (TMD). By injecting BoNT-A into the masseter muscle, it is possible to reduce mechanical loading on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, numerous prior studies have indicated excessive reduction in mechanical loading can have detrimental effects on TMJ cartilage. This study proposes that autophagy, a process influenced by mechanical loading, could play a role in BoNT-A-induced mandibular condyle cartilage degeneration. To explore this hypothesis, we employed both BoNT-A injection and an excessive biting model to induce variations in mechanical loading on the condyle cartilage of C57BL/6 mice, thereby simulating an increase and decrease in mechanical loading, respectively. Results showed a significant reduction in cartilage thickness and downregulation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression in chondrocytes following BoNT-A injection. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the reduction of Runx2 expression in chondrocytes is associated with autophagy, possibly dependent on decreased YAP expression induced by low mechanical loading. This study reveals the potential involvement of the YAP/LC3/Runx2 signaling pathway in BoNT-A mediated mandibular condylar cartilage degeneration.

Sensory-directed isolation and identification of an intense salicin-like bitter compound in infected teas with bird's eye spot disease.

Teas infected with bird's eye spot disease generally exhibited a lingering and long-lasting, salicin-like bitter taste, which was unpalatable to consumers. Sensory-directed isolation processes have been performed in this study to investigate the salicin-like bitter compounds in infected teas. Results showed that infected teas were extracted using a 70% methanol aqueous solution to produce methanol extract, which was then further separated by sequential solvent extraction (SSE) to obtain dichloromethane extract, which contained the salicin-like bitter compounds. The dichloromethane extract was then isolated by flash chromatography to produce two salicin-like bitter fractions, eluted using 60% and 65% methanol aqueous solution. Finally, these two salicin-like bitter fractions were analyzed by RP-HPLC using 60-68% and 70-75% methanol aqueous solution, respectively, affording the location of the salicin-like bitter compounds in RP-HPLC chromatograms. Moreover, a new ursane-type triterpenoid, camellisin A methyl ester, was identified from infected teas. This study has provided preliminary isolation methods of salicin-like bitter compounds from the infected teas, which were essential to designing targeted debittering strategies for infected teas and improving the quality of the finished tea and the effective utilization of fresh tea leaves.

Alleviation of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by targeting RIPK1-mediated inflammatory signalling.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), prevalent in adolescents and the elderly, has serious physical and psychological consequences. TMJOA is a degenerative disease of the cartilage and bone, mostly driven by inflammation, and synoviocytes are the first and most important inflammatory factor releasers. Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIPK1) promotes inflammatory response and cell death during an array of illnesses. This research aimed to explore the impacts of RIPK1 inhibitor therapy in TMJOA and the mechanism of RIPK1 in inducing inflammation during TMJOA. Herein, inhibition of RIPK1 suppressed the elevated levels of inflammatory factors, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), along with markers of apoptosis and necroptosis after tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α/cycloheximide (CHX) treatment in synoviocytes. Moreover, inflammation models were constructed in vivo through complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induction and disc perforation, and the findings supported that RIPK1 inhibition protected TMJ articular cartilage against progressive degradation. RIPK1 regulates NF-κB activation via cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAP), apoptosis via caspase-8, and necroptosis via RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) in synoviocytes, which in turn facilitates TMJOA inflammation progression.

Manipulation and Optical Detection of Artificial Topological Phenomena in 2D Van der Waals Fe5 GeTe2 /MnPS3 Heterostructures.

2D ferromagnet is a good platform to investigate topological effects and spintronic devices owing to its rich spin structures and excellent external-field tunability. The appearance of the topological Hall Effect (THE) is often regarded as an important sign of the generation of chiral spin textures, like magnetic vortexes or skyrmions. Here, interface engineering and an in-plane current are used to modulate the magnetic properties of the nearly room-temperature 2D ferromagnet Fe5 GeTe2 . An artificial topology phenomenon is observed in the Fe5 GeTe2 /MnPS3 heterostructure by using both anomalous Hall Effect and reflective magnetic circular dichroism (RMCD) measurements. Through tuning the applied current and the RMCD laser wavelength, the amplitude of the humps and dips observed in the hysteresis loops can be modulated accordingly. Magnetic field-dependent hysteresis loops demonstrate that the observed artificial topological phenomena are induced by the generation and annihilation of the magnetic domains. This work provides an optical method for investigating the topological-like effects in magnetic structures and proposes an effective way to modulate the magnetic properties of magnetic materials, which is important for developing magnetic and spintronic devices in van der Waals magnetic materials.

Manipulating exchange bias in 2D magnetic heterojunction for high-performance robust memory applications.

The exchange bias (EB) effect plays an undisputed role in the development of highly sensitive, robust, and high-density spintronic devices in magnetic data storage. However, the weak EB field, low blocking temperature, as well as the lack of modulation methods, seriously limit the application of EB in van der Waals (vdW) spintronic devices. Here, we utilized pressure engineering to tune the vdW spacing of the two-dimensional (2D) FePSe3/Fe3GeTe2 heterostructures. The EB field (HEB, from 29.2 mT to 111.2 mT) and blocking temperature (Tb, from 20 K to 110 K) are significantly enhanced, and a highly sensitive and robust spin valve is demonstrated. Interestingly, this enhancement of the EB effect was extended to exposed Fe3GeTe2, due to the single-domain nature of Fe3GeTe2. Our findings provide opportunities for the producing, exploring, and tuning of magnetic vdW heterostructures with strong interlayer coupling, thereby enabling customized 2D spintronic devices in the future.

Axial Load Measurement of Bolts with Different Clamping Lengths Based on High-Frequency Ultrasonic ZnO Film Sensor.

The ultrasonic testing method has been widely used for measuring the axial load of bolts. However, systematic calibrations are prerequisite if specific bolts have different clamping length configurations, which leads to low efficiency and measurement errors. The focus of this work was to measure the axial load of bolts with different clamping lengths by proposing a method of clamping length correction based on piezoelectric films in order to avoid the complicated calibration steps. Firstly, the relationship between longitudinal wave time-of-flight (TOF) and axial load under different clamping lengths was studied to correct the difference between the effective stress length and the actual clamping length. Secondly, the high-frequency ZnO piezoelectric film sensor was fabricated on the bolts to improve the accuracy of longitudinal wave TOF measurement. The results showed that the center frequency of the fabricated ultrasonic sensor reached 25 MHz, which could realize the high precision measurement of TOF. The proposed correction model proved to be effective for decreasing the measurement error below 2.7% in this experiment. In conclusion, the proposed method simplified the calibration procedure for different application configurations of the same bolt and realized the efficient measurement of bolt axial load.

Long-term morphometric changes in the anterior alveolar bone in adolescents and adults after space closure: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the morphometric changes in the anterior alveolar bone of both the maxilla and mandible after space closure and retention for 18-36 mo in adults and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two subjects with 4 first premolars extracted followed by retracting anterior teeth were included and divided into two age groups: adult group (4 males, 17 females, mean age: 23.67 ± 5.29 y, treatment duration: 27.95 mo, retention duration: 26.96 mo, ANB: 4.8 ± 2.1, U1-L1: 117.2 ± 9.2, U1-PP: 120.2 ± 7.2, L1-MP: 99.2 ± 5.3) and adolescent group (6 males, 15 females, mean age: 11.52 ± 1.21 y, treatment duration: 26.18 mo, retention duration: 25.79 mo, ANB: 5.2 ± 2.1, U1-L1: 116.0 ± 8.6, U1-PP: 119.8 ± 4.9, L1-MP: 99.7 ± 4.9). Alveolar bone height and thickness of anterior teeth in both groups were measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging performed at the pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2) and retention phases (T3). One-way repeated-measure ANOVAs were performed to evaluate the alveolar bone changes. Voxel-based superimpositions were performed to measure the amount of tooth movement. RESULTS: After orthodontic treatment, the lingual bone height and thickness of both arches and the labial bone height of the mandible decreased significantly in both age groups (P < .05). Most of the labial bone height and thickness of the maxilla in both groups remained unchanged (P > .05). After retention, the lingual bone height and thickness increased significantly in both age groups (P < .05). The amounts of increased height ranged from 1.08 to 1.64 mm in adults and from 0.78 to 1.21 mm in adolescents, and the amounts of increased thickness ranged from 0.23 mm to 0.62 mm in adults and from 0.16 mm to 0.36 mm in adolescents. Obvious movements of the anterior teeth during retention were not found (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although lingual alveolar bone loss occurred in adolescents and adults during orthodontic treatment, continuous remodelling occurred in the later retention phase, which provides a reference for clinical treatment planning of bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion.

Comprehensive positional and morphological assessments of the temporomandibular joint in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion: a retrospective CBCT study.

BACKGROUND: Condyle-fossa relationships in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion remain unclear. Therefore, this study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the position and morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion. METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, CBCT images from 90 adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion and 30 controls were analysed. Adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion were divided into different groups based on (1) sex (male and female), (2) sides (right and left), (3) age (early, middle, and late adolescence), and (4) vertical skeletal patterns (hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent). Morphology of the condyle and fossa as well as condylar position, was compared among groups. Data were collected and submitted for statistical analysis. This study adheres to STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: Regarding the intergroup comparisons, there were significant differences in TMJ position and morphology between the skeletal Class III malocclusion with different vertical skeletal patterns and control groups (P < 0.05). Within groups, condyle-fossa relationships differed significantly according to sex, age, and vertical skeletal patterns (P < 0.05); however, the mean values were not statistically different between left and right sides in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings can be used clinically and radiographically to evaluate the condyle and glenoid fossa features in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion, providing a basis for better TMD diagnosis and orthodontic treatment.

Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells: The link with metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising stem cells for the treatment of multiple inflammatory and immune diseases due to their easy acquisition and potent immuno-regulatory capacities. These immune functions mainly depend on the MSC secretion of soluble factors. Recent studies have shown that the metabolism of MSCs plays critical roles in immunomodulation, which not only provides energy and building blocks for macromolecule synthesis but is also involved in the signaling pathway regulation. AIM OF REVIEW: A thorough understanding of metabolic regulation in MSC immunomodulatory properties can provide new sights to the enhancement of MSC-based therapy. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: MSC immune regulation can be affected by cellular metabolism (glucose, adenosine triphosphate, lipid and amino acid metabolism), which further mediates MSC therapy efficiency in inflammatory and immune diseases. The enhancement of glycolysis of MSCs, such as signaling molecule activation, inflammatory cytokines priming, or environmental control can promote MSC immune functions and therapeutic potential. Besides glucose metabolism, inflammatory stimuli also alter the lipid molecular profile of MSCs, but the direct link with immunomodulatory properties remains to be further explored. Arginine metabolism, glutamine-glutamate metabolism and tryptophan-kynurenine via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) metabolism all contribute to the immune regulation of MSCs. In addition to the metabolism dictating the MSC immune functions, MSCs also influence the metabolism of immune cells and thus determine their behaviors. However, more direct evidence of the metabolism in MSC immune abilities as well as the underlying mechanism requires to be uncovered.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mediates the therapeutic effects of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells in experimental periodontitis by modulating macrophages through the kynurenine-AhR-NRF2 pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has become a promising approach to periodontal tissue repair. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs), compared with other dental or non-dental MSCs, serve as promising candidates for MSC therapy due to non-invasive acquisition and abundant sources. This study aimed to explore the effects of ASC therapy in experimental periodontitis and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Micro-CT was performed to evaluate the alveolar bone parameters following local injection of ASCs. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expression of IL-1ß, osteocalcin (OCN), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), and surface markers of macrophage polarization. Afterward, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based targeted tryptophan metabolomic analysis was used to examine the ASC metabolites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assay was performed to investigate the direct binding of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NRF2. RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was reduced, and the ratio of iNOS+/CD206+ macrophages was significantly decreased after ASC injection in the rat models of periodontitis. ASCs promoted NRF2 expression and activation in macrophages, while NRF2 silencing in macrophages blocked the regulation of ASCs on macrophages. Furthermore, the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) of ASCs in the inflammatory condition was high. The inhibitor of IDO, 1-methyltryptophan (1-MT), impaired the therapeutic effects of ASCs in experimental periodontitis and regulation of macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, kynurenine (Kyn), a metabolite of ASCs catalyzed by IDO, activated AhR and enhanced its binding to the promoter of NRF2, which stimulated M2 macrophage polarization. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that ASCs can alleviate ligature-induced periodontitis through modulating macrophage polarization by the IDO-dependent Kyn-AhR-NRF2 pathway, uncovering a novel mechanism and providing a scientific basis for ASC-based therapy in experimental periodontitis.

Evaluation of condyle-fossa relationships in skeletal Class I malocclusion with variable degrees of deep overbite and open bite.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) position and shape between skeletal Class I subjects with different degrees of deep overbite or open bite and unaffected peers. METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 90 participants, equally divided into deep bite, open bite, and control groups (DBG, OBG, and CG, respectively), were analyzed. The DBG and OBG were further subdivided into three subgroups based on the severity. Linear and angular measurements were used to determine the positional and morphological characteristics of the TMJ. RESULTS: DBG showed significantly larger superior joint space, anterior inclination of the condyle, and articular eminence inclination than CG and OBG. The severity of deep bite and open bite significantly influenced the TMJ position and morphology. CONCLUSION: In severe deep overbite and open bite cases, there were considerable alterations in TMJ components, most likely as a result of functional demands.

Nonlocal Manipulation of Magnetism in an Itinerant Two-Dimensional Ferromagnet.

Two-dimensional (2D) magnets are crucial in the construction of 2D magnetic and spintronic devices. Many devices, including spin valves and multiple tunneling junctions, have been developed by vertically stacking 2D magnets with other functional blocks. However, owing to limited local interactions at the interfaces, the device structures are typically extremely complex. To solve this problem, the nonlocal manipulation of magnetism may be a good solution. In this study, we use the magneto-optical Kerr effect technique to demonstrate the nonlocal manipulation of magnetism in an itinerant 2D ferromagnet, Fe3GeTe2 (FGT), whose magnetism can be manipulated via an antiferromagnet/ferromagnet interface or a current-induced spin-orbital torque placed distant from the local site. It is discovered that the coupling of a small piece of MnPS3 (∼40 µm2) with FGT can significantly enhance the coercive field and emergence of exchange bias in the entire FGT flake (∼2000 µm2). Moreover, FGT flakes with different thicknesses have the same coercive field at low temperatures if they are coupled together. Our study provides an understanding of the basic magnetism of 2D itinerant ferromagnets as well as opportunities for engineering magnetism with an additional degree of freedom.

Age-related variations in position and morphology of the temporomandibular joint in individuals with anterior openbite and crossbite: a multi-cross-sectional comparative study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the age-related positional and morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) between individuals with anterior openbite or crossbite and controls. METHODS: This multi-cross-sectional comparative study analysed cone-beam computed tomography images of 750 participants, equally divided into the openbite, crossbite, and control groups (OBG, CBG, and CG, respectively). Each group was further divided into five subgroups (8-11 years, 12-15 years, 16-19 years, 20-24 years, and 25-30 years). Measurements of the TMJ included the position of the condyles in their respective fossae and morphology of the condyles and fossae. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. The study adhered to the STROBE Statement checklist for reporting of cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: Condyles were positioned more posteriorly with increasing age in all groups, and the condylar position was more posterior in the OBG than in the CBG. The articular eminence inclination increased with age in all the groups. There were significant differences in the articular eminence inclination among the three major groups at the age of > 15 years, and the condylar path was flatter in the CBG than in the OBG. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related morphological and positional characteristics of the TMJ differed considerably among OBG, CBG and CG. Contrary to CBG, OBG was found to have relatively posterior condylar position and steeper condylar path.