Machine learning-based predictive model for abdominal diseases using physical examination datasets.

Abdominal ultrasound is a key non-invasive imaging method for diagnosing liver, kidney, and gallbladder diseases, despite its clinical significance, not all individuals can undergo abdominal ultrasonography during routine health check-ups due to limitations in equipment, cost, and time. This study aims to use basic physical examination data to predict the risk of diseases of the liver, kidney, and gallbladder that can be diagnosed via abdominal ultrasound. Basic physical examination data contain gender, age, height, weight, BMI, pulse, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and uric acid-we established seven single-label predictive models and one multi-label predictive model. These models were specifically designed to predict a range of abdominal diseases. The single-label models, utilizing the XGBoost algorithm, targeted diseases such as fatty liver (with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.9344), liver deposits (AUC: 0.8221), liver cysts (AUC: 0.7928), gallbladder polyps (AUC: 0.7508), kidney stones (AUC: 0.7853), kidney cysts (AUC: 0.8241), and kidney crystals (AUC: 0.7536). Furthermore, a comprehensive multi-label model, capable of predicting multiple conditions simultaneously, was established by FCN and achieved an AUC of 0.6344. We conducted interpretability analysis on these models to enhance their understanding and applicability in clinical settings. The insights gained from this analysis are crucial for the development of targeted disease prevention strategies. This study represents a significant advancement in utilizing physical examination data to predict ultrasound results, offering a novel approach to early diagnosis and prevention of abdominal diseases.

Clinical and electromyographic signals analysis about the effect of space-adjustment splint on overerupted maxillary molars.

BACKGROUND: Overerupted maxillary molars is common in adults, which can lead to insufficient intermaxillary vertical space ,great difficulty in prosthetic reconstruction ,and cause occlusal interference in movements.To reconstruct occlusal function, it is necessary to prepare enough space for prostheses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of space-adjustment occlusal splint on overerupted maxillary molars by clinical and electromyographic signals analysis. METHODS: Eighteen patients with overerupted maxillary molars were selected to wear space-adjustment occlusal splint suppressing overerupted maxillary molars for three months. Satisfaction was assessed by 5-point Likert; intermaxillary vertical space and the teeth transportation distance were measured in models; clinical periodontal status were evaluated by periodontal probing depth (PPT) and bleeding index (BI); electromyographic recordings of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles were monitored by Cranio-Mandibular K7 Evaluation System. RESULTS: All the patients were satisfied with the treatment effect (Likert scale ≧ 4). The intermaxillary space in edentulous areas after treatment showed statistically significant increasing when compared with those before treatment. PPT and BI showed no significant difference. No statistically significant differences were found in electromyographic activity of anterior temporal muscles, while a reduction of muscle activity in masseter in the contralateral side were detected in post-treatment evaluations compared with pre-treatment at mandibular rest position. CONCLUSIONS: Space-adjustment occlusal splint is an efficient treatment option on overerupted maxillary molars by intruding the maxillary molar to obtain adequate intermaxillary space for prostheses.

Quality in screening and measuring blood pressure in China's primary health care: a national cross-sectional study using unannounced standardized patients.

Background: This study aims to evaluate primary care providers' adherence to the standard of measuring blood pressure for people aged 35 or above during their initial visit, as per Chinese guidelines, and to identify factors affecting their practices. Methods: We developed 11 standardized patients (SP) cases as tracer conditions to evaluate primary care, and deployed trained SPs for unannounced visits to randomly selected providers in seven provinces of China. The SPs used a checklist based on guidelines to record whether and how blood pressure was measured. Data were analyzed descriptively and regression analysis was performed to examine the association between outcomes and factors such as provider, patient, facility, and clinical case characteristics. Findings: The SPs conducted 1201 visits and found that less than one-third of USPs ≥35 had their blood pressure measured. Only 26.9% of migraine and 15.4% of diabetes cases received blood pressure measurements. Additionally, these measurements did not follow the proper guidelines and recommended steps. On average, 55.6% of the steps were followed with few providers considering influencing factors before measurement and only 6.0% of patients received both-arm measurements. The use of wrist sphygmomanometers was associated with poor blood pressure measurement. Interpretation: In China, primary care hypertension screening practices fall short of guidelines, with infrequent initiation of blood pressure measurements and inadequate adherence to proper measurement steps. To address this, priority should be placed on adopting, implementing, and upholding guidelines for hypertension screening and measurement. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Doctoral Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Medical University, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.

Preparation of Tetrandrine Nanocrystals by Microfluidic Method and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of TET are acknowledged, but its application is hindered by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Conventional methods for nanocrystal preparation are laborious and lack control. To address these limitations, we propose employing the microfluidic method in the preparation of TET nanocrystals, aiming to enhance the aforementioned constraints. The objectives of this study were to prepare TET nanocrystals (TET-NC@GL) using a Y-microfluidic method with glycyrrhetinic acid (GL) as a stabilizer. The optimal preparation prescription was determined through a single-factor test and Box-Behnken response surface method. Additionally, the nanocrystals prepared with the commonly used stabilizer polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30), known as TET-NC@PVPK30, were characterized and evaluated for their toxicity to HepG2 cells. Hybridized nanocrystals (TET-HNC@GL and TET-HNC@PVPK30) were synthesized using a water-soluble aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe (TVP). Qualitative and quantitative cellular uptake experiments were conducted using these hybridized nanocrystals. Conducting in vivo pharmacokinetic assays evaluates the relative bioavailability of nanocrystals. The results indicated that TET-NC@GL, optimized using the response surface method, had a particle size of 136.47 ± 3.31 nm and a PDI of 0.219 ± 0.002. The administration of TET-NC@GL significantly enhanced the cell inhibition rate compared to the TET group and the TET-NC@PVPK30 group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the qualitative and quantitative cellular uptake results revealed a significant enhancement in cellular uptake in the TET-HNC@GL administration group compared to the TET-HNC@PVPK30 group (P < 0.01). In vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that the bioavailability of TET-NC@GL group was 3.5 times higher than that of the TET group. The results demonstrate the successful preparation of TET-NC@GL nanocrystals.

Electrochemical N-Acylation of Sulfoximine with Hydroxamic Acid.

Despite the widespread applications of sulfoximines, green and efficient access to functionalized sulfoximines remains a challenge. By employing an electrochemical strategy, we describe an approach for the construction of N-aroylsulfoximines, which features a broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, safety on a gram scale, and no need for an external oxidant and transition metal catalysts.

Electrochemical Oxidative Carbonylation of NH-Sulfoximines.

The electrochemical synthesis of N-aroylsulfoximines features the use of tetra-n-butylammonium iodide (TBAI) as the medium and a broad substrate scope, thus affording a wide range of N-aroylated sulfoximines in moderate to good yields. The advantages of this electrochemical strategy are augmented by mild reaction conditions that are external oxidant-free, ligand-free, and easy to scale up to gram scale. Both the control experiments and the mechanistic studies revealed that the whole electrochemical process proceeded through a palladium (II/IV/II) catalytic cycle.

Neuromuscular and occlusion analysis to evaluate the efficacy of three splints on patients with bruxism.

OBJECTIVE: Occlusal splints are always applied on individuals with bruxism to reduce tooth wear and relieve orofacial symptoms such as myofascial pain. The stomatognathic system is mainly composed of tooth, occlusion, masticatory muscles, and temporomandibular joint. The occlusion and masticatory muscles function are regarded as the important parameters for evaluating the stomatognathic system state objectively. However, the effects of occlusal splints on individuals with bruxism is rarely elucidated from accurate neuromuscular analysis and occlusion evaluation. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of three different splints (two clinically common full coverage occlusal splint and an modified anterior splint) on subjects with bruxism using K7-J5 neuromuscular analysis system and Dental Prescale II (DP2) to evaluate occlusion. METHODS: Sixteen subjects claimed to be suffering from nocturnal bruxism,with complete dentition and stable occlusal relationship, were selected for study.The intermaxillary space and the baselines of EMG-activity of the anterior temporalis and masseter were recorded for all the subjects. The participants was treated with three different splints, and outcomes were estimated by comfort index, occlusion and surface electromyography of anterior temporalis and masseter. RESULTS: At teeth clenched position, EMG data were significantly lower in the participants with use of modified anterior splint than with hard, soft occlusal splint or without splint (p < 0.05). The maximum bite force and bite area occur in subjects without use of splint, while the minimal occur in subjects with use of modified anterior splint. Intermaxillary space increased and masticatory muscles presented significant reduction of EMG data at rest position as a result of J5 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified anterior splint seems to be more comfortable and effective in reducing occlusion force and electromyographic activity of anterior temporalis and masseter for subjects with bruxism.

The effect of implant surgery experience on the learning curve of a dynamic navigation system: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic navigation systems have a broad application prospect in digital implanting field. This study aimed to explore and compare the dynamic navigation system learning curve of dentists with different implant surgery experience through dental models. METHODS: The nine participants from the same hospital were divided equally into three groups. Group 1 (G1) and Group 2 (G2) were dentists who had more than 5 years of implant surgery experience. G1 also had more than 3 years of experience with dynamic navigation, while G2 had no experience with dynamic navigation. Group 3 (G3) consisted of dentists with no implant surgery experience and no experience with dynamic navigation. Each participant sequentially placed two implants (31 and 36) on dental models according to four practice courses (1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 exercises). Each dentist completed 1-3, 4-6 exercises in one day, and then 7-9 and 10-12 exercises 7 ± 1 days later. The preparation time, surgery time and related implant accuracy were analyzed. RESULTS: Three groups placed 216 implants in four practice courses. The regressions for preparation time (F = 10.294, R2 = 0.284), coronal deviation (F = 4.117, R2 = 0.071), apical deviation (F = 13.016, R2 = 0.194) and axial deviation (F = 30.736, R2 = 0.363) were statistically significant in G2. The regressions for preparation time (F = 9.544, R2 = 0.269), surgery time (F = 45.032, R2 = 0.455), apical deviation (F = 4.295, R2 = 0.074) and axial deviation (F = 21.656, R2 = 0.286) were statistically significant in G3. Regarding preparation and surgery time, differences were found between G1 and G3, G2 and G3. Regarding implant accuracy, differences were found in the first two practice courses between G1 and G3. CONCLUSIONS: The operation process of dynamic navigation system is relatively simple and easy to use. The linear regression analysis showed there is a dynamic navigation learning curve for dentists with or without implant experience and the learning curve of surgery time for dentists with implant experience fluctuates. However, dentists with implant experience learn more efficiently and have a shorter learning curve.

The silencing of SAAL1 suppresses pneumonia progression via modulating the NLR signaling pathway.

Background: Pneumonia is a severe respiratory disease in both children and elderly people and is commonly accompanied with inflammation and lung injury. In this study, we sought to examine the expression and function of serum amyloid A-like 1 (SAAL1) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated pneumonia model. Methods: An LPS-stimulated mouse model and A549 lung cell model were established to examine the effects of SAAL1 in pneumonia. The expression of SAAL1 in pneumonia was analyzed in a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data set and the established mouse model. Lung injury, edema, neutrophil infiltration, and the production of inflammatory factors were measured by histological analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to analyze the SAAL1-related pathways. The viability and apoptosis of A549 cells upon LPS stimulation and the knockdown of SAAL1 were checked by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. Results: The level of SAAL1 was significantly elevated in the lung tissues from the LPS-stimulated mice. Treatment with SAAL1 depletion alleviated the lung injury, edema, and neutrophil infiltration. The LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6, were suppressed by the SAAL1 knockdown. The LPS treatment activated the NLR signaling pathway, and the depletion of SAAL1 suppressed this activation. The silencing of SAAL1 improved the viability and suppressed apoptosis in the LPS-stimulated A549 cells, while the overexpression of NLRP3 abolished the effects of SAAL1. Conclusions: The SAAL1 knockdown ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury and the inflammatory response by suppressing the NLR signaling pathway.

RGB color analysis of formaldehyde in vegetables based on DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles and triplex DNA.

A highly sensitive and selective RGB color analysis for the detection of formaldehyde (FA) was developed by using a DNA functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNPs-DNA) probe. When complementary oligonucleotides (oligo 2 and oligo 3) and a silver ion (Ag+) were added to the AuNPs-DNA solution, triplex DNA was formed, resulting in the aggregation of AuNPs, and accompanied by a solution color change from red to purple. With the addition of formaldehyde, it reacted with Ag+, decreased the stability of triplex DNA between AuNPs-DNA, induced the dispersion of AuNPs, and the color of AuNPs recovered to red. Therefore, the formaldehyde concentration could be estimated with the RGB (red, green, blue) values of the AuNP solution by using a smartphone application (APP). The R value of the system was proportional to the concentration of formaldehyde within the range of 0.23-4.50 mg L-1, with a detection limit of 0.14 mg L-1. The method has been successfully applied to detect the residues of formaldehyde in vegetable samples and has the potential of the on-site determination of formaldehyde.

Mapping the FACT-G to EQ-5D-3L utility index in cancer with the Chinese values set.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to create a function for mapping the cancer-specific instrument (FACT-G) to a preference-based measure (EQ-5D-3 L) utility index for health-related quality of life, with utility scores generated using the Chinese value set. METHOD: A cross-sectional study among 243 Chinese patients with cancer was conducted through EQ-5D-3 L and FACT-G questionnaires survey. The EQ-5D-3 L utility index values were predicted based on OLS, GLM, CLAD, and Tobit model regression approaches. The performance and predictive power of each model were also evaluated using r2 and adj- r2, MAE, RMSE, ICC, and MID. Linear equating was used to avoid regression of the OLS model to mean. The model was validated using a 10-fold cross-validation method. RESULTS: Among all regression models for the FACT-G, the OLS 5 model predicted mean EQ-5D-3 L values the best, in terms of model goodness of fit (r2 = 0.6230, MAE = 0.0448, RMSE = 0.0624). The OLS model proved to be the most accurate for the mean, and the linear equating scores were much closer to the observed scores. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the best algorithm for FACT-G mapping to EQ-5D-3 L utility index is OLS model, based on the survey of Chinese patients with cancer.

Role of the cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF pathway in abnormal behaviours of serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region polymorphisms are associated with anxiety, neuroticism, affective disorders and vulnerability to stressful life events; however, the relevant physiological mechanisms are not well understood. Serotonin transporter knockout mice have been widely used as a model of allelic variation of serotonin transporter function in humans; herein, wild-type mice and heterozygous and homozygous knockout mice models were established to explore the behavioural changes related to different genotypes and the possible physiological mechanisms. Behavioural changes were assessed using behavioural tests, namely, elevated plus maze, open field, Morris water maze and rotarod tests. Serum indicators were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with wild-type mice, homozygous mice showed significant anxiety-like behaviours in the plus maze and open field tests; conversely, anxiety-like behaviours in heterozygous mice were less pronounced. Homozygous mice also showed cognitive impairment and motor inhibition in the Morris water maze and rotarod tests. Serotonin levels decreased in both heterozygous and homozygous mice, and 5-hydroxytryptophan, protein kinase A, adenylyl cyclase, cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were lower in homozygous mice than in wild-type and heterozygous mice, whereas no statistical differences were found between wild-type and heterozygous mice. Additionally, there was a correlation between serological and behavioural indicators. This study provided experimental evidence that the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A-cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein-brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway may be involved in the regulation of polymorphism to stress and enriched the behavioural and physiological characteristics of serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Integrated analysis of transcriptomics to identify hub genes in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome is a clinical challenge. Gene expression profile analysis and comprehensive network methods for complex diseases can provide insight into molecular characteristics in the clinical context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We downloaded gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We screened differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the pSS patients and the controls by the robust rank aggregation (RRA) method. We explored DEGs' potential function using gene function annotation and PPI network analysis. RESULTS: GSE23117, GSE40611, GSE80805, and GSE127952 were included, including 38 patients and 30 controls. The RRA integrated analysis determined 294 significant DEGs (241 upregulated and 53 downregulated), and the most significant gene aberrantly expressed in SS was CXCL9 (p = 6.39E-15), followed by CXCL13 (p = 1.53E-13). Immune response (GO:0006955; p = 4.29E-32) was the most significantly enriched biological process in GO (gene ontology) analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction (hsa04060; p = 6.46E-10) and chemokine signaling pathway (hsa04062; p = 9.54E-09) were significantly enriched. We defined PTPRC, CD86, and LCP2 as the hub genes based on the PPI results. CONCLUSION: Our integrated analysis identified gene signatures and helped understand molecular changes in pSS.

Application evaluation of virtual reality technology in dental implant training: a new dental implant training system: A CONSORT-compliant trial.

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the application of virtual reality technology in a dental implant training system.A 3-dimensional model of mandible was established by Mimics17.0 software based on the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data obtained from cone beam computed tomography scanning of the patient in mandibular. Thirty physicians were divided into 2 groups. The virtual reality dental implant training system was used for group A, while conventional theoretical knowledge training and clinical demonstration were performed in group B. All young physicians have a 1-month study. After training, all the physicians in groups A and B would conduct a questionnaire survey according to the training situation, which was compared between the 2 groups. The success rate of the operation was also evaluated and compared.The median scores in the 5 dimensions of postoperative assessment of group A was 9/9/9/8/8, and of group B was 6/7/6/7/7. The scores of the 5 dimensions were significantly higher than those of group B (P < .05), indicating that group A has a better grasp of the simulator. After the training of simulated mandibular implants in group A, the deviations in the 4 dimensions of mesiodistal, buccal and tongue, depth, and angle were significantly lower than those of group B (P < .05). Group A has smaller deviations in each of the 4 dimensions than those in group B, indicating group A has a higher operation success rate.We independently develop a set of virtual surgery system for dental implant training, which can be used for teaching and training, with good operability and predictability, to achieve a breakthrough in dental implant surgery training.

RNA sequencing identifies two novel liver-specific long noncoding RNAs with potential diagnostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To explore the expression profiles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and identify novel lncRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: Expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in five paired HCC and adjacent normal tissues were obtained by RNA sequencing. Eight lncRNAs, including two novel liver-specific lncRNAs (NONHSAT059247.2 and NONHSAT013897.2), were validated in another 74 pairs of HCC and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results: The results of quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that NONHSAT252133.1, NONHSAT112116.2 and NONHSAT242657.1 were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues, whereas NONHSAT169790.1, NONHSAT059247.2 and NONHSAT013897.2 were significantly downregulated. Two liver-specific lncRNAs demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance: NONHSAT059247.2 (area under the curve = 0.941, 95% CI: 0.902-0.979, p < 0.0001), NONHSAT013897.2 (area under the curve = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.906-0.983, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The liver-specific lncRNAs NONHSAT059247.2 and NONHSAT013897.2, may provide new biomarkers for the future study on diagnosis, therapy and mechanisms of HCC.

Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence dual-signal sensing of cancer antigen-125 via recognition of the polymerase chain reaction product with gold nanoparticle probe.

Cancer antigen 125 (CA - 125) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. In this paper, oligonucleotide 5'-GACAGGCCCGAAGGAATAGATAATACGACTCACTATAGGGAGACAAGAATAAACGCTCAA-3' (oligo 1) contains an aptamer of CA - 125, and was designed partly complementary to oligonucleotide 5'-CTCTCTCTCCACCTTCTTCTTTGAGCGTTTATTCTTGTCT-3' (oligo 2). Oligo 1 · oligo 2 was extended with the Klenow fragment (exo-) polymerase for further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes in the presence of two primers: deoxyribose nucleoside triphosphate and Taq polymerase. Single-stranded DNA was produced at two sides of the PCR product by introducing a C18 spacer into the two primers, which could hybridize with AuNPs-DNA probes, investigated by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence. The addition of CA - 125 can interrupt the hybridization between oligo 1 and oligo 2, causing the average diameter of AuNPs-DNA probes to decrease with the increase of CA-125 within the range of 5 fg mL-1 - 50 ng mL-1. The linear regression equation of this relationship was D = 430.48-49.60 log10C, with a detection limit of 1.1 fg mL-1. Fluorescein molecules were modified at the end of the forward primer. The fluorescence intensity of the PCR product can be measured simultaneously, with the fluorescence intensity increasing linearly with the logarithm of CA-125 concentration within a linear range from 10 fg mL-1 to 50 ng mL-1, with a detection limit of 1.5 fg mL-1.

The association between demographic characteristics, personality, and mental health of bus drivers in China: A structural equation model.

BACKGROUND: The psychological status of drivers is related to adverse driving behaviors. Although there are several studies on the mental health and traffic accidents among bus drivers, related studies on the association between mental health and individual characteristics are scarce. METHODS: Our report is on a cross-sectional study of bus drivers that took place between October 2014 and May 2016. A total of 596 bus drivers who worked for transportation companies and underwent occupational physical examinations at The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region workers' Hospital during the study period were included. Demographic characteristics were collected by a self-designed demographic questionnaire. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) were used to evaluate the personality and mental health of bus drivers, and the results of the scales were compared with Chinese norms. The structural equation model was used to analyze the correlation among demographic characteristics, personality characteristics, and mental health. RESULTS: Except for the lie dimension, the average scores of the driver's personality dimension were higher than the Chinese norm, and the means of somatization and phobia scores of bus drivers were also higher; obsessions-compulsions, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression scores were lower than those for the Chinese norms. The structural equations modeling revealed that the total effects coefficient of demographic characteristics on mental health was 0.68, and that of personality was 0.60. There were direct influences between demographic characteristics and personality characteristics, demographic characteristics and mental health, and personality characteristics and mental health; the standardized path coefficients were 0.60, 0.50, and 0.30, respectively. Smoking, drinking, and neuroticism were the main factors affecting the mental health of bus drivers; and the standardized path coefficients were 0.56, 0.54, and 0.90 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, bus drivers were significantly more extroverted, psychotic, and neurotic than the general population; and they were more likely to suffer from somatization and phobia. The mental health of bus drivers was associated with some demographic and personality characteristics in the study. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the selection of bus drivers and intervention measures for drivers with high-risk driving tendencies, which is conducive to better guide road traffic safety construction and reduce the occurrence of road traffic injuries.

Accuracy of dynamic navigation compared to static surgical guide for dental implant placement.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of dynamic navigation (DN) with a static surgical guide (SSG) for dental implant placement and the influence factors such as the experience of the surgeon and the implant sites. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 38 implants, which underwent the dynamic navigation, and 57 implants which underwent a static surgical guide were enrolled in the retrospective study. Coronal deviation, apical deviation, and angular deviation were compared between the DN and SSG groups, along with the different experience level of surgeons and implant sites in the DN group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the DN and SSG groups, and the experience level of the surgeons and implant sites in the DN group. However, the apical deviation of the DN was slightly higher than the SSG group in the anterior teeth (P = 0.028), and the angular deviation of DN was smaller than the SSG group in the molar. CONCLUSION: Dynamic navigation can achieve accurate implant placement as well as the static surgical guide. Additionally, the experience level of the surgeon and implant site do not influence the accuracy of dynamic navigation, while the accuracy of DN seems higher than the SSG in molar.

The Effects of Titanium Surfaces Modified with an Antimicrobial Peptide GL13K by Silanization on Polarization, Anti-Inflammatory, and Proinflammatory Properties of Macrophages.

The polarization of macrophages and its anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory properties play a significant role in host response after implant placement to determine the outcome of osseointegration and long-term survival. In the previous study, we immobilized an antimicrobial peptide, GL13K, onto titanium surfaces to provide immune regulation property. In the herein presented study, we aimed at investigating whether GL13K immobilized titanium surface could improve osteogenesis and reduce the inflammatory reaction around the biomaterials by altering macrophage response. We evaluated the cell proliferation of the different phenotypes of macrophages seeded in GL13K-coated titanium surface, which indicated an inhibition of M1 macrophages and a good cytocompatibility to M2 macrophages. Then, we measured the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity of the M1 and M2 macrophages seeded on the GL13K-coated titanium surfaces. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the group with the GL13K modified surface had a downregulation in the expression level of the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß in M1 macrophages and an upregulation of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGF-ß3) levels in M2 macrophages. This study demonstrated that the GL13K modified titanium surfaces can regulate macrophages' polarization and the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the effects of the inflammatory process, which may promote the process of bone regeneration and osseointegration.

Immediate implant placement in anterior teeth with grafting material of autogenous tooth bone vs xenogenic bone.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the autogenous tooth bone and xenogenic bone grafted in immediate implant placement with bone defect. METHODS: Thirty patients whose compromised anterior teeth need immediate implant placement were enrolled. Autogenous tooth bone made from the extracted teeth by chair-side or the xenogenic bone were used to repaired bone defect. Clinical examination, radiographic assessment about the horizontal bone change in the level of 0 mm, 3 mm and 6 mm below the implant neck and the marginal bone loss were made immediately, 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Questionnaire of the feelings about the surgery were made at the time of removing the sutures. RESULTS: All implants achieved the success criteria without any complications at the follow-up period. The percent of the horizontal bone change and the marginal bone loss at 6 and 12 months were almost the same between two groups (P > .05). The horizontal bone loss at the first or the latter 6 months was almost the same (P > .05). But the horizontal bone loss at the 6 mm level was less than the 0 mm and 3 mm levels at 6 and 12 months (P < .05). Meanwhile patients seem more satisfied with the autogenous tooth bone derived from the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The bone volume change in the facial part of the implant after immediate placement is almost the same between two groups. Providing clinical evidence that the autogenous tooth bone made from compromised tooth can be an acceptable bone graft material.