3D analysis of upper airway morphology related to obstructive sleep apnea severity.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. However, little evidence is available on the differences between the sub-regions of the upper airway morphology and OSA severity. Since orthodontists frequently perform cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the neck area, we aimed to investigate the relationship and the differences between upper airway morphology and OSA severity using CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records, CBCT imaging of 21 OSA patients diagnosed by polysomnography, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) results were included to classify OSA severity as mild, moderate, or severe. The minimum cross-sectional areas (MCA) and volumes of the upper pharyngeal airway boundaries in four sub-regions: nasopharynx, retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharynx were measured. Dolphin Imaging software was used for upper airway segmentation. The correlation coefficient (r), one-way ANOVA, and the least significant difference post hoc multiple comparison test were applied to fulfill the objectives. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was found between the MCA of the nasopharynx and the AHI (r = -0.473, P < 0.05). Furthermore, a difference was found between mild and moderate and moderate and severe OSA severity in the MCA results of the retroglossal region (P < 0.05). However, no relationship was found between the upper airway volume and OSA severity. CONCLUSIONS: MCA was moderately negatively correlated to AHI only in the nasopharynx subregion. Moderate OSA presented significantly less MCA than mild and severe OSA only in the oropharynx and retroglossal subregions.

Relationship between Bilateral Landmarks of Facial Asymmetry in Skeletal Class II and Class III in Vertical Dimension: 3D Facial Scan and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Significant facial asymmetry can lead to both functional and aesthetic issues. Often, such asymmetry originates from irregularities in the jaw structure. It is critical to recognize that asymmetries can be concealed by soft tissue, which may be overlooked. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between bilateral landmarks in the vertical dimension of facial asymmetry among individuals with skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions. Fifty-two adult patients with a mean age of 24.4 ± 3.79 years with facial asymmetry who underwent orthodontic and orthognathic surgery were studied. Cone-beam computed tomography and facial scans were used to create 3D virtual head models which enhanced the accuracy in addressing facial asymmetry to ensure effective treatment planning. Each landmark was measured and digitized using the Dolphin Imaging program. The findings showed a correlation between gender and type of skeletal discrepancies with the menton deviation direction. In conclusion, the vertical discrepancy between bilateral landmarks was observable in both hard and soft tissues with more pronounced expression in soft tissues. This discrepancy was characterized by an elevation on the same side as the menton deviation, which was a feature observed in both skeletal Class II and Class III individuals.

Fabrication of vascularized tissue-engineered bone models using triaxial bioprinting.

Bone tissue is a highly vascularized tissue. When constructing tissue-engineered bone models, both the osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities of the construct should be carefully considered. However, fabricating a vascularized tissue-engineered bone to promote vascular formation and bone generation, while simultaneously establishing nutrition channels to facilitate nutrient exchange within the constructs, remains a significant challenge. Triaxial bioprinting, which not only allows the independent encapsulation of different cell types while simultaneously forming nutrient channels, could potentially emerge as a strategy for fabricating vascularized tissue-engineered bone. Moreover, bioinks should also be applied in combination to promote both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, employing triaxial bioprinting, we used a blend bioink of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), sodium alginate (Alg), and different concentrations of nano beta-tricalcium phosphate (nano ß-TCP) encapsulated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts as the outer layer, a mixed bioink of GelMA and Alg loaded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as the middle layer, and gelatin as a sacrificial material to form nutrient channels in the inner layer to fabricate vascularized bone constructs simulating the microenvironment for bone and vascular tissues. The results showed that the addition of nano ß-TCP could adjust the mechanical, swelling, and degradation properties of the constructs. Biological assessments revealed the cell viability of constructs containing different concentrations of nano ß-TCP was higher than 90% on day 7, The cell-laden constructs containing 3% (w/v) nano ß-TCP exhibited better osteogenic (higher Alkaline phosphatase activity and larger Osteocalcin positive area) and angiogenic (the gradual increased CD31 positive area) potential. Therefore, using triaxial bioprinting technology and employing GelMA, Alg, and nano ß-TCP as bioink components could fabricate vascularized bone tissue constructs, offering a novel strategy for vascularized bone tissue engineering.

The role of autophagy in SIM mediated anti-inflammatory osteoclastogenesis through NLRP3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bone resorption is a prominent risk factor for implantation failure. Simvastatin (SIM) has anti-inflammatory effects independent of cholesterol lowering and reduces osteoclastogenesis by decreasing both the number and activity of osteoclasts. However, the specific mechanism of inflammatory bone loss alleviation by SIM remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that SIM relieves inflammatory bone loss by modulating autophagy and suppressing the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS: RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after being pretreated with various concentrations of SIM. Osteoclast (OC) differentiation, formation and activity were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, F-actin ring staining and bone resorption pit assays, respectively. We observed autophagosomes by transmission electron microscopy. Then NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was used to further explore the corresponding molecular mechanism underlying anti-inflammatory bone resorption, the expression of autophagy-related proteins and NLRP3 signaling pathway factors in pre-OCs were evaluated by western blot analysis, and the expression of OC-specific molecules was analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that SIM decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas increased Interleukin-10. In addition, SIM inhibited LPS-induced OC differentiation, formation, bone resorption activity, the level of autophagosomes, and OC-specific markers. Furthermore, SIM significantly suppressed autophagy by downregulating LC3II, Beclin1, ATG7, and NLRP3-related proteins expression while upregulating P62 under inflammatory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: SIM may reduce autophagy secretion to attenuate LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and the NLRP3 signaling pathway participates in this process, thus providing theoretical basis for the application of this drug in peri-implantitis.

Triaxial bioprinting large-size vascularized constructs with nutrient channels.

Bioprinting has demonstrated great advantages in tissue and organ regeneration. However, constructing large-scale tissue and organsin vitrois still a huge challenge due to the lack of some strategies for loading multiple types of cells precisely while maintaining nutrient channels. Here, a new 3D bioprinting strategy was proposed to construct large-scale vascularized tissue. A mixture of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and sodium alginate (Alg) was used as a bioink, serving as the outer and middle layers of a single filament in the triaxial printing process, and loaded with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, respectively, while a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution was used as the inner layer. The CaCl2solution crosslinked with the middle layer bioink during the printing process to form and maintain hollow nutrient channels, then a stable large-scale construct was obtained through photopolymerization and ion crosslinking after printing. The feasibility of this strategy was verified by investigating the properties of the bioink and construct, and the biological performance of the vascularized construct. The results showed that a mixture of 5% (w/v) GelMA and 1% (w/v) Alg bioink could be printed at room temperature with good printability and perfusion capacity. Then, the construct with and without channels was fabricated and characterized, and the results revealed that the construct with channels had a similar degradation profile to that without channels, but lower compressive modulus and higher swelling rate. Biological investigation showed that the construct with channels was more favorable for cell survival, proliferation, diffusion, migration, and vascular network formation. In summary, it was demonstrated that constructing large-scale vascularized tissue by triaxial printing that can precisely encapsulate multiple types of cells and form nutrient channels simultaneously was feasible, and this technology could be used to prepare large-scale vascularized constructs.

Effect of Extending Corticotomy Depth to Trabecular Bone on Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats.

Corticotomy is a surgical procedure that induces injury to the cortical bone to accelerate tooth movement. This study aimed to increase the depth of corticotomy to the trabecular bone and to evaluate the amount and rate of tooth movement and alveolar bone changes in response to various degrees of cortical and trabecular bone injury. Seventy-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups based on procedure used: (1) baseline control group of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) only; (2) OTM + 4 corticotomies (CO); (3) OTM + 4 osteotomies (OS); and (4) OTM + 16 CO. A closed-coil nickel-titanium spring was placed to move the maxillary first molar mesially with a 10 g force. On days 0, 7, 14, and 21, alveolar bone alteration and tooth movement were measured using microcomputed tomography. Significant tooth movement was related to the number and the depth of the perforations. The OTM + 16 CO group showed a greater amount and rate of tooth movement than the OTM + 4 CO group. When osteotomy and corticotomy were compared with the same volume of bone removed, the OTM + 4 OS group had a faster rate of tooth movement than the OTM + 16 CO group during the first week, with significantly reduced bone volume. However, no significant difference was observed in the amount of tooth movement between the OTM + 4 OS and OTM + 16 CO groups at the end of the study. Extending the depth of corticotomy to trabecular bone increased the amount of tooth movement by accelerating the induction and completion of bone remodeling, which accelerated the rate of tooth movement during the initial stage.

Analysis of Osteoclasts and Root Resorption in Corticotomy-Facilitated Orthodontics with Ibuprofen Administration-An Animal Study.

Following corticotomy surgery, patients experience moderate to severe post-operative pain that necessitates prescriptions of analgesics. The prostaglandin inhibitory effect of ibuprofen influences the mobility of teeth during orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to determine how ibuprofen affects histological reactions and dental root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement aided by corticotomy. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into three groups by random selection: (1) control group, (2) corticotomy group (CO), and (3) corticotomy with 0.6 mL of 15 mg/kg ibuprofen group (CI). On each buccal and palatal alveolar bone, two decortication points were made. Orthodontic tooth movement was induced on the maxillary first molar for 21 days utilizing a NiTi-closed coil spring with 10 g of force. Hematoxylin and eosin were used to prepare and stain the histological sections. The numbers of osteoclasts on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 were determined, and the root resorption area on days 0 and 21 was measured. Compared to the control group, the osteoclast counts in the CO and CI groups were considerably greater (p < 0.002). No significant differences were observed between the CO and CI groups in the numbers of osteoclasts or the percentages of root resorption (p > 0.05). The amounts of osteoclast activity and root resorption were unaffected by the administration of ibuprofen in corticotomy-facilitated tooth movement.

Influence of ibuprofen combined with corticotomy on tooth movement and alveolar bone remodeling in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of corticotomy-assisted orthodontic tooth movement and administration of ibuprofen on tooth movement rate and alveolar bone response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 78 adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: one baseline group (no treatment) and four experimental groups including orthodontic tooth movement only (OTM), orthodontic tooth movement with ibuprofen (OTMI), corticotomy-assisted orthodontic tooth movement (COTM), and corticotomy-assisted orthodontic tooth movement with ibuprofen (COTMI). Corticotomy was performed on a maxillary molar unilaterally. Nickel-titanium closed-coil springs generated a 10-gram force for maxillary first molar movement. The experimental drug groups received 15 mg/kg of ibuprofen, and the other groups received reverse osmosis water. Tooth movement and bone volume fraction were evaluated by micro-computed tomography on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. RESULTS: The corticotomy groups had statistically significantly higher tooth movement and lower bone volume fraction than the orthodontic groups (P < .05). The amount and rate of tooth movement were statistically significantly different between the OTM and OTMI groups, but not statistically significantly different in bone volume fraction. However, statistically significant differences were not observed in any measurements between the COTM and COTMI groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ibuprofen during orthodontic tooth movement inhibited tooth movement and alveolar bone remodeling but had no effect on corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment.

Osteoblast-like Cell Differentiation on 3D-Printed Scaffolds Using Various Concentrations of Tetra-Polymers.

New bone formation starts from the initial reaction between a scaffold surface and the extracellular matrix. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of various amounts of calcium, phosphate, sodium, sulfur, and chloride ions on osteoblast-like cell differentiation using tetra-polymers of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), alginic acid, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Moreover, 3D-printed scaffolds were fabricated to determine the ion distribution and cell differentiation. Various proportions of ACP/CSH were prepared in ratios of 0%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, and 23%. SEM was used to observe the morphology, cell spreading, and ion complements. The scaffolds were also examined for calcium ion release. The mouse osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1 was cultured to monitor the osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total protein synthesis, osteocalcin expression (OCN), and calcium deposition. All 3D-printed scaffolds exhibited staggered filaments, except for the 0% group. The amounts of calcium, phosphate, sodium, and sulfur ions increased as the amounts of ACP/CSH increased. The 18%ACP/CSH group significantly exhibited the most ALP on days 7, 14, and 21, and the most OCN on days 14 and 21. Moreover, calcium deposition and mineralization showed the highest peak after 7 days. In conclusion, the 18%ACP/CSH group is capable of promoting osteoblast-like cell differentiation on 3D-printed scaffolds.

Initial Displacement and Stress Distribution of Upper Central Incisor Extrusion with Clear Aligners and Various Shapes of Composite Attachments Using the Finite Element Method.

A clear aligner is an esthetic and more comfortable option for patients who need orthodontic treatment. However, some types of tooth movement, such as extrusion, are difficult with this tool. Therefore, composite attachments have been suggested to improve tooth movement. This study aims to evaluate the initial displacement and stress distribution during upper central incisor extrusion using the conventional composite attachments. Maxillary models with the upper teeth, clear aligners, and composite attachments placed on the labial surface of the upper right central incisor were constructed. Four models were created to simulate upper central incisor extrusion: (1) without any composite attachment; (2) rectangular beveled attachment; (3) ellipsoid attachment; and (4) horizontal rectangular attachment. Clear aligners were designed to perform upper central incisor extrusion. The constructed models were analyzed using the finite element method. Initial displacement and stress distribution were analyzed. Output analysis found that the upper right central incisor in the model with a horizontal rectangular attachment had the greatest extrusive movement, followed by the model with ellipsoid attachment and the model with beveled attachment. Maximum compressive stress was seen at the cervical region of the composite attachment. Composite attachments including horizontal rectangular attachment, ellipsoid attachment, and rectangular beveled attachment can be used to perform upper central incisor extrusion.

3D Printing of Calcium Phosphate/Calcium Sulfate with Alginate/Cellulose-Based Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration: Multilayer Fabrication and Characterization.

Congenital abnormalities, trauma, and disease result in significant demands for bone replacement in the craniofacial region and across the body. Tetra-compositions of organic and inorganic scaffolds could provide advantages for bone regeneration. This research aimed to fabricate and characterize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)/calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) with alginate/cellulose composite scaffolds using 3D printing. Alginate/cellulose gels were incorporated with 0%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, and 23% ACP/CSH using the one-pot process to improve morphological, physiochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. SEM displayed multi-staggered filament layers with mean pore sizes from 298 to 377 µm. A profilometer revealed mean surface roughness values from 43 to 62 nm that were not statistically different. A universal test machine displayed the highest compressive strength and modulus with a statistical significance in the 20% CP/CS group. FTIR spectroscopy showed peaks in carbonate, phosphate, and sulfate groups that increased as more ACP/CSH was added. Zero percent of ACP/CSH showed the highest swelling and lowest remaining weight after degradation. The 23% ACP/CSH groups cracked after 60 days. In vitro biocompatibility testing used the mouse osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1. The 18% and 20% ACP/CSH groups showed the highest cell proliferation on days five and seven. The 20% ACP/CSH was most suitable for bone cell regeneration.

The influence of leukocyte-platelet-rich plasma on accelerated orthodontic tooth movement in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a local injection of leukocyte-platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) on orthodontic tooth movement in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-three male New Zealand white rabbits were included in a split-mouth design. Tooth movement with a 100-g nickel-titanium closed-coil spring was performed on the maxillary first premolars. L-PRP was injected submucosally at the buccal and lingual areas of the first premolar in one random side of the maxilla and the other side served as the control and received normal saline. The amount of tooth movement was assessed on three-dimensional digital models on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Histological findings and osteoclast numbers were examined on day 0 as the baseline and on days 7, 14, and 28. RESULTS: The L-PRP group showed significantly greater cumulative tooth movement at all observed periods. However, a significantly higher rate of tooth movement was observed only on days 0-7 and 7-14. The osteoclast numbers were significantly increased in the L-PRP group on days 7 and 14. CONCLUSIONS: Local injection of L-PRP resulted in a transient increase in the rate of tooth movement and higher osteoclast numbers.

Tissue response resulting from different force magnitudes combined with corticotomy in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the amount of hyalinization and root resorption after application of light and heavy forces during corticotomy-assisted tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used. Eight animals were the control group (day 0). The other 40 animals were randomly divided into two groups using the split-mouth technique: (1) corticotomy combined light force (CLF) and (2) corticotomy combined heavy force (CHF). Nickel-titanium closed coil springs that generated 10 g (light force) and 50 g (heavy force) were used for maxillary first molar movement. three-dimensional root volume was evaluated at 0, 14, and 28 days. Percent hyalinization was analyzed at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days by histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The CHF group showed significantly lower cervical root volume than the CLF group at 28 days. Compared with day 0, the CHF group showed significantly less root volume in both distobuccal and distopalatal roots at 28 days. The hyalinization percentages in the CHF group were significantly higher than the CLF group at days 3 and 21. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy force combined with corticotomy produced more periodontal ligament hyalinization and root resorption than the light force combined with corticotomy.

Comparison of clinical and histological characteristics of orthodontic tooth movement into recent and healed extraction sites combined with corticotomy in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the rate of tooth movement and histological characteristics of extraction sockets those were subjected to corticotomy. METHODS: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial experiment was designed. Thirty-two adult, male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: healing extraction socket (H) and recent extraction socket (R); these groups were randomly classified into 4 subgroups (0/7/21/60 days). The first maxillary molar was extracted on 1 side and 2 months were allowed for complete bone healing; then, the corresponding molar was extracted on the other side and surgical intervention was performed at the mid-alveolar point of the first maxillary molar. Ten grams of continuous force was applied. The outcomes measured were rate of tooth movement, percentage of periodontal space and histological evaluation. The rate of tooth movement was calculated as the measured distance divided by the duration of molar movement. Histomorphometric evaluations were performed on the second and third maxillary molars. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare differences between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the rates of tooth movement between H and R groups at any of the 4 time points. The histological appearance and percentage of periodontal space between the R and H groups also demonstrated no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of orthodontic tooth movement into recent and healed socket sites did not differ between the groups. Histological analysis of tooth movement revealed regional acceleration during every time period.

Development and Validation of 3D Finite Element Models for Prediction of Orthodontic Tooth Movement.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop and validate three-dimensional (3D) finite element modeling for prediction of orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two orthodontic patients were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography (CT) was captured 2 times. The first time was at T0 immediately before canine retraction. The second time was at T4 precisely at 4 months after canine retraction. Alginate impressions were taken at 1 month intervals (T0-T4) and scanned using a digital scanner. CT data and scanned models were used to construct 3D models. The two measured parameters were clinical tooth movement and calculated stress at three points on the canine root. The calculated stress was determined by the finite element method (FEM). The clinical tooth movement was measured from the differences in the measurement points on the superimposed model. Data from the first patient were used to analyze the tooth movement pattern and develop a mathematical formula for the second patient. Calculated orthodontic tooth movement of the second patient was compared to the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Differences between the calculated tooth movement and clinical tooth movement ranged from 0.003 to 0.085 mm or 0.36 to 8.96%. The calculated tooth movement and clinical tooth movement at all reference points of all time periods appeared at a similar level. Differences between the calculated and clinical tooth movements were less than 0.1 mm. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional FEM simulation of orthodontic tooth movement was achieved by combining data from the CT and digital model. The outcome of the tooth movement obtained from FEM was found to be similar to the actual clinical tooth movement.

Effects of different force magnitudes on corticotomy-assisted orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of light and heavy forces with corticotomy on tooth movement rate, alveolar bone response, and root resorption in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right and left sides of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned using the split-mouth design to two groups: light force with corticotomy (LF) and heavy force with corticotomy (HF). Tooth movement was performed on the maxillary first molars using a nickel-titanium closed-coil spring delivering either 10 g (light force) or 50 g (heavy force). Tooth movement and alveolar bone response were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) at day 0 as the baseline and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Root resorption was examined by histomorphometric analysis at day 28. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis showed a significantly greater tooth movement in the HF group at days 7 and 14 but no difference in bone volume fraction at any of the observed periods. Histomorphometric analysis found no significant difference in root resorption between the LF and HF groups at day 28. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy force with corticotomy increased tooth movement at days 7 and 14 but did not show any difference in alveolar bone change or root resorption.

Determination of the centre of resistance during en masse retraction combined with corticotomy: finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of corticotomy on the change in the centre of resistance of the six maxillary anterior teeth Materials and methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of the maxillary anterior teeth with and without corticotomy were constructed. Brackets (size 0.022 inch × 0.028 inch) were placed passively on all anterior teeth that were set at the centre of the labial surface in the mesio-distal dimension and 3 mm from the incisal edge to the bracket slot in the vertical direction. The power arm was set mesial of the canine bracket. For the model with corticotomy, the bone density was decreased from initial value at 5% to 25%. The point of force application was varied in order to locate the centre of resistance. The centre of resistance was located by measurement of the difference of the displacement between the apical and incisal edges. The position of force was varied by moving apically parallel to the occlusal plane to simulate tooth movement. RESULTS: As the alveolar bone density decreased from initial value to 25%, the location of the centre of resistance moved apically from the bracket slot from 10.8 mm to 11.2 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The change of alveolar bone density due to corticotomy was associated with the location of the centre of resistance. The location of the centre of resistance moved apically as the alveolar bone density decreased but it was not clinically noticeable.