Is use of flowable resin composite an option for occluso-proximal restorations in primary teeth? A fracture strength analysis.

BACKGROUND: Use of flowable resin composites for ocluso-proximal restorations in primary molars could improve cervical adaptation, and reduce the failure risk. AIM: To investigate the fracture strength of occluso-proximal restorations in primary teeth using different flowable resin composites (as an intermediate layer or entire cavity) and a conventional resin composite (incremental technique). DESIGN: Two standardized occluso-proximal cavities were prepared on mesial and distal surfaces of 50 sound primary molars. The teeth were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10): 2 mm Filtek Bulk Fill Flow + Z350 XT; 4 mm Filtek Bulk Fill Flow; 2 mm Z350 XT Flow + Z350 XT; 4 mm Z350 XT Flow; and Z350 XT inserted by incremental technique. All restored teeth were subjected to cariogenic challenge and then submitted to fracture strength test. The failure pattern of each specimen was categorized as reparable or irreparable/need for replacement based on the World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria. Fracture strength means were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. Failure pattern was analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference on fracture strength among groups (p = .48). A similar distribution of reparable (35%-40%) and irreparable (60%-65%) failures was observed among groups. CONCLUSION: Based on a laboratorial setting, the use of different flowable resin composites (as an intermediate layer or entire cavity) may be an option to restore occluso-proximal cavities in primary molars.

Revolutionizing Class II Division 1 Malocclusion Treatment With Forsus Appliance: A Clinical Case.

Angle's Class II Division 1 malocclusion is illustrated as a prominent maxilla along with protrusive maxillary anteriors, mandibular retrognathism, or both, often leading to functional and aesthetic concerns. Effective management of this condition in growing patients typically involves a combination of functional and orthodontic appliances to correct dental and skeletal discrepancies. Treating this malocclusion in the deceleration stages of growth is often challenging for orthodontists. This case report exemplifies the potency of Forsus appliance in addressing Class II Division 1 malocclusion in growing patients, underscoring its role in achieving favorable orthodontic outcomes.

Comparing the reliability of inter- and intra-grader using digital scanning vs. traditional visual method for evaluating preclinical class II composite preparation.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-grader reliability of four evaluators using three different digital intraoral scanners and visual methods for typodontic Class II composite preparations. Materials and methods: Ninety-five typodont teeth of Class II composite preparations were evaluated using traditional visual grading methods (VGM) and digital grading methods (DGM) using the same rubric. Three intraoral scanners were used to scan the Class II cavity preparation for the composite: i700 (Medit, Korea), Trios 4 (3Shape, Denmark), and Shinning 3D (Shinning 3D, China). The same rubric was used to score the visual and digital evaluations by calibrated examiners. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare method- and evaluator-based scores, accounting for the scanner type used. Results: The scores of the prepped typodont teeth were subjected to an interaction between the examiner and the evaluation technique. In addition, the mean total prepped teeth scores differed between examiners using VGM. A statistically significant interaction emerged between examiners and the evaluation technique employed to assess the total score of the prepped teeth: F(9, 1504) = 3.893, P = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.023. The total prepped tooth score differed between the VGM and DGM groups. Lower (P < 0.05) intra-grader consistency was observed for the final scores when Class II preparations were evaluated using the VGM; however, this consistency improved when using the DGM. Conclusion: Examiners and evaluation methods affect student performance in Class II cavity preparations. The DGM may be more reliable and consistent within and between evaluators than the VGM is.

Comparison between twin block appliance and mandibular advancement on clear aligners in the improvement of airway dimension: incremental versus maximum bite advancement.

Objective: The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare the changes resulting from treatment using the MA and the TB with special regard to the oro-and naso-pharyngeal sagittal airway dimensions in subjects with dentoskeletal Class II malocclusions and positive history of Sleep Disorder Breathing (SDB) diagnosed through the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Materials and methods: This retrospective study involved 2 groups of subjects: patients treated with Twin Block (TB group: n = 22, 10 males, 12 females; mean age 12.0 ± 1.3 years) and patients treated with Mandibular Advancement (MA group: n = 23, 11 males, 12 females; mean age 12.2 ± 1.1 years). Pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) lateral cephalograms were analyzed. All patients underwent the PSQ to diagnose SDB. Results: In both treated groups there was an increase in the airways dimensions and an improvement in symptoms related SDB. The statistical comparison of the changes between T1 and T2 in the TB group showed a significant increment in upper airway size (PNS-AD2, +1.50 mm + -3.30; McNamara's upper pharynx dimension, +2.21 + -4.21) after active treatment. The MA group showed similar results during active treatment with a significant increase in both upper (PNS-AD2, +2.72 + -2.65; McNamara's upper pharynx dimension, +2.97 + -3.07) and lower (PNS-AD1, +2.17 mm + -3.54) airway size. Conclusions: Despite the different structure of these two devices and the different advancement protocols, both appliances were valuable as a suitable treatment option for Class II patients with respiratory disorders, inducing an increase of upper and lower airway size and a significant reduction in diurnal symptoms.

Semantic search using protein large language models detects class II microcins in bacterial genomes.

Class II microcins are antimicrobial peptides that have shown some potential as novel antibiotics. However, to date, only 10 class II microcins have been described, and the discovery of novel microcins has been hampered by their short length and high sequence divergence. Here, we ask if we can use numerical embeddings generated by protein large language models to detect microcins in bacterial genome assemblies and whether this method can outperform sequence-based methods such as BLAST. We find that embeddings detect known class II microcins much more reliably than does BLAST and that any two microcins tend to have a small distance in embedding space even though they typically are highly diverged at the sequence level. In data sets of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp. genomes, we further find novel putative microcins that were previously missed by sequence-based search methods. IMPORTANCE: Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem in modern medicine, but the development pipeline for conventional antibiotics is not promising. Therefore, alternative approaches to combat bacterial infections are urgently needed. One such approach may be to employ naturally occurring antibacterial peptides produced by bacteria to kill competing bacteria. A promising class of such peptides are class II microcins. However, only a small number of class II microcins have been discovered to date, and the discovery of further such microcins has been hampered by their high sequence divergence and short length, which can cause sequence-based search methods to fail. Here, we demonstrate that a more robust method for microcin discovery can be built on the basis of a protein large language model, and we use this method to identify several putative novel class II microcins.

Safety and efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy in non-diabetic individuals with class I vs. class II obesity: a matched controlled experiment from Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the 3-year outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy in non-diabetic individuals with class I obesity. METHODS: A total of 78 participants with class I obesity and 78 participants with class II obesity, matched in terms of age, sex (93.6% female), and the rates of dyslipidemia and hypertension, were included in this prospective cohort study. Follow-up data, including metabolic features, body composition, nutritional characteristics, and surgery complications, were gathered at the baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post-bariatric surgery. Micronutrient deficiencies and comorbidities (hypertension and dyslipidemia) were evaluated in both groups using conditional logistic regression analysis, and Clavien-Dindo classification was used to compare surgical complications. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the participants in both groups were similar (n = 78, mean age: 36.4 ± 8.5). The two groups were also comparable in terms of weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, and remission of obesity-related comorbidities 3 years following sleeve gastrectomy. Overall values of Δ total weight loss (TWL)%, Δ excess weight loss (EWL)%, and ß (95% CI) were - 1.86 (1.19), and - 2.56 (4.5) with a P value of 0.118 and 0.568, respectively. The occurrence of surgical complications and undesirable outcomes were also similar between the two study groups. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is an effective and safe method to achieve weight loss and alleviate cardiovascular risk factors and obesity-related comorbidities in non-diabetic individuals with class I and class II obesity.

Lateral cephalometric parameters among Arab skeletal classes II and III patients and applying machine learning models.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization considers malocclusion one of the most essential oral health problems. This disease influences various aspects of patients' health and well-being. Therefore, making it easier and more accurate to understand and diagnose patients with skeletal malocclusions is necessary. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this research was the establishment of machine learning models to correctly classify individual Arab patients, being citizens of Israel, as skeletal class II or III. Secondary outcomes of the study included comparing cephalometric parameters between patients with skeletal class II and III and between age and gender-specific subgroups, an analysis of the correlation of various cephalometric variables, and principal component analysis in skeletal class diagnosis. METHODS: This quantitative, observational study is based on data from the Orthodontic Center, Jatt, Israel. The experimental data consisted of the coded records of 502 Arab patients diagnosed as Class II or III according to the Calculated_ANB. This parameter was defined as the difference between the measured ANB angle and the individualized ANB of Panagiotidis and Witt. In this observational study, we focused on the primary aim, i.e., the establishment of machine learning models for the correct classification of skeletal class II and III in a group of Arab orthodontic patients. For this purpose, various ML models and input data was tested after identifying the most relevant parameters by conducting a principal component analysis. As secondary outcomes this study compared the cephalometric parameters and analyzed their correlations between skeletal class II and III as well as between gender and age specific subgroups. RESULTS: Comparison of the two groups demonstrated significant differences between skeletal class II and class III patients. This was shown for the parameters NL-NSL angle, PFH/AFH ratio, SNA angle, SNB angle, SN-Ba angle. SN-Pg angle, and ML-NSL angle in skeletal class III patients, and for S-N (mm) in skeletal class II patients. In skeletal class II and skeletal class III patients, the results showed that the Calculated_ANB correlated well with many other cephalometric parameters. With the help of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was possible to explain about 71% of the variation between the first two PCs. Finally, applying the stepwise forward Machine Learning models, it could be demonstrated that the model works only with the parameters Wits appraisal and SNB angle was able to predict the allocation of patients to either skeletal class II or III with an accuracy of 0.95, compared to a value of 0.99 when all parameters were used ("general model"). CONCLUSION: There is a significant relationship between many cephalometric parameters within the different groups of gender and age. This study highlights the high accuracy and power of Wits appraisal and the SNB angle in evaluating the classification of orthodontic malocclusion.

Neoself-antigens are the primary target for autoreactive T cells in human lupus.

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) is the most significant genetic risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the nature of the self-antigens that trigger autoimmunity remains unclear. Unusual self-antigens, termed neoself-antigens, are presented on MHC-II in the absence of the invariant chain essential for peptide presentation. Here, we demonstrate that neoself-antigens are the primary target for autoreactive T cells clonally expanded in SLE. When neoself-antigen presentation was induced by deleting the invariant chain in adult mice, neoself-reactive T cells were clonally expanded, leading to the development of lupus-like disease. Furthermore, we found that neoself-reactive CD4+ T cells were significantly expanded in SLE patients. A high frequency of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is a risk factor for SLE. Neoself-reactive lupus T cells were activated by Epstein-Barr-virus-reactivated cells through downregulation of the invariant chain. Together, our findings imply that neoself-antigen presentation by MHC-II plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Covalent organic-inorganic polyoxometalate hybrids in catalysis.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a class of compounds known for the vast range of tunable structures and properties available, leading to applications in areas such as catalysis, energy, and advanced medicine. The ability to covalently functionalize POMs with organic components has been investigated extensively to tune the physical and chemical properties of the resulting hybrid materials. These hybrids, where the organic entity is covalently attached to the POM-core ( Class II hybrid POMs) result in a vast library of promising customizable catalytic systems, displaying tunable properties with a high level of synergy between the polyanion and the organic component. A number of Class II hybrids have been investigated for a wide range of catalytic applications, and here, we give a brief overview of Class II hybrids of the p-block elements and their applications in catalysis.

Five-year clinical follow-up of bulk-fill restorative materials in class II restorations.

This study evaluates the 5-year clinical performance of Class II restorations performed with different bulk-fill restorative materials. In the study, Class II restorations performed with Tetric Bulk-Fill (TBF), Filtek Bulk-Fill (FBF), and Equia Forte Fil (EF) were evaluated. One hundred-nineteen restorations were included in the study. Restorations were assessed during the 6th month, 1st, 2nd, and 5th year. Cochran Q, Pearson chi-square, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used for statistical analysis. In the 5th year, significant differences were observed in terms of retention, color match, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, surface texture, and anatomical form in all materials. There was a significant difference between EF and bulk-fill composites only in terms of retention and anatomical form. EF was significantly less successful than bulk-fill composites with regard to retention and anatomical form, but bulk-fill composites have shown similar clinical performance. EF cannot be an alternative to bulk-fill composites for Class II restorations.

Prediction on the chin advancement of the twin block functional appliance in growing Chinese patients using the cephalometric markers: a retrospective study.

In spite of the widespread use of functional appliances, broad variations were applied the treatment response. The aim of this study is to investigate the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors on the chin advancement of twin-block in growing Chinese patients with class II malocclusion. After screening, 90 patients treated by twin-block were included in the study. The treatment outcome was assessed by the alterations in the distance of skeletal pogonion (Pog) to the vertical reference plane perpendicular to the Frankfurt plane (ΔPog-VRP). Moreover, ΔPog-VRP was divided by the cranial growth indicated by the Nasion to Basion changes (ΔN-Ba) to minimize the growth discrepancy among individuals (adjΔPog-VRP). Patients with ΔPog-VRP/adjΔPog-VRP above the median value were categorized into good response group (GRG/adjGRG, N = 45), while the rest were poor response group (PRG/adjPRG, N = 45). Independent t-test was used to compare the pre-treatment cephalometric measurements between GRG/adjGRG and PRG/adjPRG. Stepwise multivariate regression models were used to determine the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors for the chin advancement. Generally, there were not any significant differences between GRG/adjGRG and PRG/adjPRG regarding age, gender and cervical stage before twin-block treatment. Patients from GRG had significantly reduced cephalometric measurements in the vertical dimensions, including ∠N-Go-Me, ∠Mandibular plane-Occlusal plane (∠MP-OP) and the sum of angles (p < 0.05) in comparison to PRG. When the individual growth was taken account, similar findings were observed. The patients from adjGRG had a significantly lower ∠Sella Nasion line-MP (∠SN-MP), ∠Ar-Go-Me and ∠N-Go-Me, as well as an increased Posterior facial height (PFH)/Anterior facial height (AFH) (p < 0.05) compared with their counterparts. ∠N-Go-Me variable was the independent predictor on Pog advancement with (ß = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.01, p = 0.01) and without (ß = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.01, p < 0.01) adjustments on individual growth. The results of this study showed that patients with a reduced N-Go-Me angle are more likely to experience a greater chin advancement following twin-block treatment.

Comparison between clear aligners and twin-block in treating class II malocclusion in children: a retrospective study.

The study herein evaluated and compared the efficacy of Clear Aligners (CA) and Twin-Block (TB) appliances as the early orthodontic treatments of developing class II division 1 malocclusion. Twenty-four patients each for CA (11.73 ± 0.33 y) and TB (11.87 ± 0.34 y) groups were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cephalometric X-rays and intraoral photos were taken for the patients after nearly 12 months of treatment. Treatment impacts were evaluated by the molar correction and overjet reduction. The vertical and sagittal changes were analyzed through cephalometric measurements. Sella-nasion-point B angle (SNB), point A-nasion-point B angle (ANB), Wits Appraisal (AO-BO) and overjet were statistically significant regarding the sagittal changes analyzed before and after the treatments in both groups, respectively. So, no significant difference was noted in the sagittal changes between CA and TB groups. However, for the vertical changes, OP (occlusal plane) angle of CA group and OP angle, AFH (anterior facial height) and PFH (posterior facial height) of TB group were statistically significant. Moreover, the Z angle and cranial facial difficulty (C.F. difficulty) were also statistically significant in both groups. Class II children with retrognathic mandible are effectively treated by employing the CA, which has almost the same impact as of TB in sagittal and vertical changes. Resultantly, the patient profile is improved. The CA and TB treatments thus minimize the subsequent treatment difficulty by reducing the C.F. difficulty.

Effect of various active reminders via mobile phone on cooperation of orthodontic teenage patients regarding oral hygiene and Class II elastics use : A three-month follow-up prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the impact of reminders via mobile phone, such as text messages or video/multimedia images, on orthodontic patients' cooperation with regard to oral hygiene and the use of Class II intermaxillary elastics. METHODS: The study included 124 orthodontic patients aged 12-20 years (mean age 14.06 ± 2.0 years, 63 females and 61 males). The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 56) was evaluated for oral hygiene, while group 2 (n = 68) was evaluated for the use of Class II intermaxillary elastics. Each main group was divided into three subgroups: text message group, video message group, and control group. Specific messages were sent to the participants in the study groups twice a week for 12 weeks. Data were collected at the beginning of the study (T0), after 6 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) and compared to determine the impact of the reminders. Oral hygiene was evaluated using plaque and gingival index scores, and the use of Class II elastics was evaluated using digital model measurements. Between-subject comparisons were performed using Kruskal-Wallis or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). For within-subject comparisons (T0-T1, T1-T2, and T0-T2 time intervals), one-way repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman test was performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the control group (1.49 ± 0.22) and the message groups (video: 1.58 ± 0.34 and text: 1.51 ± 0.28) in terms of plaque index scores and gingival index (control: 1.56 ± 0.26, text: 1.51 ± 0.36, video: 1.52 ± 0.26) scores. However, in the intragroup comparison, it was observed that both plaque index scores and gingival index scores at T0, T1, and T2 increased for both the study and control groups. While there was no difference between the subgroups in overjet measurement at T0 (control: 3.46 ± 1.20, video: 3.34 ± 1.20, text: 2.73 ± 1.03; p = 0.51), there was a significant difference at T2 (control: 2.62 ± 0.85, video: 2.32 ± 1.41, text: 1.48 ± 0.72, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Mobile active reminders had no effect on improving oral hygiene. Despite repeated reminders, hygiene worsened over time. The use of Class II elastics seemed to have increased as a result of the mobile reminders.

Impact of maxillary expansion on the sagittal skeletal and dental parameters of growing Class II patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

A "spontaneous" correction of the Class II malocclusion has been described after maxillary expansion (ME) treatment. The aim of the present review was to systematically summarize changes in the sagittal dentoskeletal parameters of growing Class II patients after ME. The study protocol was developed according to the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO before literature search, data extraction and analysis. The PICO model was followed in the definition of the research question, search strategies and study selection criteria. Randomized and non-randomized studies on the sagittal effects of ME published in English language without date restrictions were electronically searched across the Cochrane Library, Scopus and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. Changes in sagittal dentoskeletal cephalometric parameters were analysed. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized studies was assessed using the Rob2 and ROBINS-I tools, respectively. A narrative synthesis was performed, focusing on the investigated population, intervention, comparison, and main outcomes. Pairwise meta-analyses were used to compare the outcomes assessed in subjects who underwent ME versus untreated subjects. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, four were included in the pairwise meta-analyses due to the presence of a control group. Slight but significant improvements in OVJ (MD: -0.36; 95%; CI [-0.69 to -0.01]; p = .04) and 6/6 molar relation (MD: 1.5; 95%; CI [0.69 to 1.61]; p < .0001) were found in patients who underwent ME compared with untreated subjects, whereas no improvement in skeletal parameters was observed. However, the limitations of a small body of moderate-quality evidence and possible confounding factors should be considered. Evidence on the sagittal skeletal and dental effects of ME in Class II patients is still ambiguous, suggesting the need for more clinical trials, including appropriate control subjects, randomization and blinding during outcome assessment.

Clear aligner treatment of an adult open bite with bilateral missing mandibular first molars through molar protraction with Albert cantilever arms.

Premature loss of first permanent molars is a common occurrence in clinical practice, leading to abnormal occlusion and inefficient mastication for patients. This case report presented the orthodontic retreatment of a 32-year-old female patient who suffered from premature loss of mandibular bilateral first molars. The mesial tipping of the mandibular second molars led to an occlusal interference, resulting in a clockwise rotation of the lower jaw and an anterior open bite (AOB). We achieved long-distance molar mesialization using clear aligners with Albert cantilever arms. After 42 months of treatment, the patient's occlusion and facial profile significantly improved. The cantilever combined with the cleat aligner treatment has been clinically effective for the protraction of mandibular posterior teeth, extending the field of application of clear aligners.

Miniscrew anchorage versus Class II elastics for maxillary arch distalization using clear aligners.

OBJECTIVES: To identify whether intramaxillary miniscrew anchorage could achieve a better maxillary arch distalization effect in clear aligner treatment compared to Class II elastics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult patients with Class II dentition who were treated with whole maxillary arch distalization using clear aligners were collected. Either intramaxillary miniscrew anchorage (miniscrew group, n = 17) or intermaxillary Class II elastics (Class II elastic group, n = 13) were used to support maxillary arch distalization. Three-dimensional predicted and achieved displacements, and angular changes of maxillary posterior teeth and anterior teeth, were measured and compared. RESULTS: The achieved distalization efficiency was 36.2%-43.9% in the posterior teeth and the retraction efficiency was 36.9%-49.4% in the anterior teeth. No statistically significant differences were found in maxillary arch distalization efficiency between the groups. The miniscrew group achieved less incisor extrusion and posterior tooth distal tipping than the Class II elastic group. Both groups achieved comparable arch expansion, posterior tooth buccal inclination, and anterior tooth lingual inclination. CONCLUSIONS: Intramaxillary miniscrew anchorage and intermaxillary Class II elastics achieved comparable efficiency in maxillary arch distalization. However, the miniscrew anchorage showed better vertical control in anterior teeth and mesiodistal tipping control in posterior teeth.

Glioblastoma induces the recruitment and differentiation of dendritic-like "hybrid" neutrophils from skull bone marrow.

Tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) effects on glioblastoma (GBM) biology remain under-characterized. We show here that neutrophils with dendritic features-including morphological complexity, expression of antigen presentation genes, and the ability to process exogenous peptide and stimulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)II-dependent T cell activation-accumulate intratumorally and suppress tumor growth in vivo. Trajectory analysis of patient TAN scRNA-seq identifies this "hybrid" dendritic-neutrophil phenotype as a polarization state that is distinct from canonical cytotoxic TANs, and which differentiates from local precursors. These hybrid-inducible immature neutrophils-which we identified in patient and murine glioblastomas-arise not from circulation, but from local skull marrow. Through labeled skull flap transplantation and targeted ablation, we characterize calvarial marrow as a contributor of antitumoral myeloid antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including TANs, which elicit T cell cytotoxicity and memory. As such, agents augmenting neutrophil egress from skull marrow-such as intracalvarial AMD3100, whose survival-prolonging effect in GBM we report-present therapeutic potential.

Evaluation of Buccolingual Inclinations of First Molars Among Different Vertical Facial Patterns in Class II Division I Subjects.

Background Knowing the characteristics of vertical patterns is crucial to provide the best orthodontic treatment. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a valuable tool for evaluating true buccolingual inclinations. The current study investigates the buccolingual inclination of first molars in adult subjects with different vertical facial patterns. Methods CBCT scans of 66 adult patients (31 males, 35 females) with a mean age of 31.6 years (SD: 6.4 years) exhibiting skeletal class II division I maxillomandibular relationships were employed. Participants were categorized into three groups based on linear and angular measurements: normodivergent group (n=22), hypodivergent group (n=22), and hyperdivergent group (n=22). The independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were conducted to investigate statistical differences in terms of buccolingual inclination between the three vertical patterns. Results Statistically significant differences were observed in the buccolingual inclinations of both maxillary and mandibular first molars in the hypodivergent group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusions In patients with class II division I sagittal relationships, the buccolingual inclinations of the first molars exhibit similarities between normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups. However, these inclinations differ significantly in hypodivergent adult subjects.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of Incisive Canal and Maxillary Central Incisors in Dravidian Population.

INTRODUCTION:  En-masse maxillary anterior retraction is necessary to attain an esthetic profile in Angle's class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and Angle's class II division 1 malocclusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate configurational relationships between maxillary incisors and incisive canal in Angle's class I bialveolar protrusion and Angle's class II division 1 malocclusion by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 108 adult CBCT scans of 54-skeletal class I bialveolar protrusion and 54-skeletal class II division 1 malocclusions were retrospectively analyzed. Angles between palatal plane and axis of maxillary alveolar border (θ1), incisive canal (θ2), and maxillary right central incisor (θ3) were measured in relation to the midsagittal plane. Linear measurements such as incisive canal width (IC-IC), medial inter-root distance (Rm-Rm), posterior inter-root distance (Rp-Rp), anteroposterior distance from Rm to tangent of right central incisor (11 Rm-Cat), and left central incisor (21 Rm-Cat) corresponding to three vertical levels (L1, L2, and L3) were assessed in axial cross-sectional plane. Association among angular measurements was examined by Spearman correlation coefficient analysis. Mann-Whitney U test compared variables of linear measurements at three vertical levels. RESULTS:  Estimated distance from incisor root to incisive canal was 5-6 mm in both groups slightly influenced by skeletal class and vertical levels but not gender. Mann-Whitney test demonstrated significant differences between groups at three vertical levels (p<0.05). Only θ2 revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between malocclusions compared to θ1 and θ3. The angular measurements for both malocclusions were positively correlated (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:  Sagittal root-canal cortical plate distance varied significantly in both malocclusions (5-6 mm). Inter-root distance (Rp-Rp) was greater than incisive canal width (IC-IC) at all three vertical levels indicating a reduced possibility of canal invasion after maximum retraction at posterior levels.

Intranasal Multiepitope PD-L1-siRNA-Based Nanovaccine: The Next-Gen COVID-19 Immunotherapy.

The first approved vaccines for human use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are nanotechnology-based. Although they are modular, rapidly produced, and can reduce disease severity, the currently available vaccines are restricted in preventing infection, stressing the global demand for novel preventive vaccine technologies. Bearing this in mind, we set out to develop a flexible nanovaccine platform for nasal administration to induce mucosal immunity, which is fundamental for optimal protection against respiratory virus infection. The next-generation multiepitope nanovaccines co-deliver immunogenic peptides, selected by an immunoinformatic workflow, along with adjuvants and regulators of the PD-L1 expression. As a case study, we focused on SARS-CoV-2 peptides as relevant antigens to validate the approach. This platform can evoke both local and systemic cellular- and humoral-specific responses against SARS-CoV-2. This led to the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA), capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern, following a heterologous immunization strategy. Considering the limitations of the required cold chain distribution for current nanotechnology-based vaccines, it is shown that the lyophilized nanovaccine is stable for long-term at room temperature and retains its in vivo efficacy upon reconstitution. This makes it particularly relevant for developing countries and offers a modular system adaptable to future viral threats.