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Hybrid ionomer cements (HICs) are aesthetic polyelectrolyte cements that have been modified with a resin. The setting of HICs occurs by both monomer polymerization and an acid-base reaction. In addition, HICs contain a resin, which is substituted for water. Thus, the competition between the setting reactions and reduced water content inherently limits polysalt formation and, consequently the bioactive interactions. In this study, we explored the effects of polybetaine zwitterionic derivatives (

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research efforts have involved large-sized carnivores and their prey species, whereas little attention has been given to ungulate in the predator-free ecosystems. We assessed seasonal activity patterns and spatiotemporal overlap among the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) and its sympatric species through camera-trapping from October 2017 and September 2020 in Jeju Island, South Korea. Trap events when compared seasonally, roe deer show higher activity in summer (34.9%), a pronounced low in winter (14.1%), and a moderate in autumn (23.8%) and in spring (26.9%). Roe deer exhibited bimodal activity patterns and had the highest spatiotemporal overlap and composite score with sika deer (Cervus nippon). Our results are among the few available data on the interaction of sympatric species and suggest strong overlapping with sika deer. This study provides important insight into species coexistence in predator-free habitats, which would be important for management initiatives.

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between circummaxillary sutures and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) success in adult male patients and to evaluate the correlation between the width of the sutures and the maxilla expansion ratio.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study comprised 40 adult male patients treated with MARPE divided into a separation group (N = 20, mean age, 21.9 years) consisting of subjects with midpalatal suture opening and a nonseparation group (N = 20, mean age, 21.7 years) consisting of subjects with no midpalatal suture opening. Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained before MARPE expansion for both groups and after expansion for the separation group. Vertical and horizontal skeletal relationships, palate length, and widths of 10 circummaxillary sutures before expansion were compared. The correlation between maxilla expansion ratio (jackscrew expansion to maxillary expansion ratio) and circummaxillary suture widths was also analyzed in the separation group.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, vertical and horizontal skeletal relationships, and palate length between the two groups. Zygomaticomaxillary, pterygomaxillary, midpalatal, and transverse palatine sutures showed significantly greater width in the separation group (P < .05). The zygomaticomaxillary suture showed the greatest difference (Δ = 0.36 mm) between the groups. The zygomaticomaxillary and pterygomaxillary sutures showed significant positive correlation with the maxilla expansion ratio (P < .01).ConclusionsIn adult male patients, greater circummaxillary suture widths before MARPE expansion, especially zygomaticomaxillary and pterygomaxillary sutures, resulted in a better chance of successful suture separation and more maxillary expansion.

Polyalkenoate cement (PAC) is a promising material for regenerative hard tissue therapy. The ionically rich glass component of PAC encourages bioactive interaction via. the release of essential ions. However, PAC bioactivity is restricted owing to (i) structurally inherent cationic network formers and (ii) surface bacterial biofilm formation. These two factors cause a deficiency in ion release, further complicated by secondary infections and premature therapeutic failure. Here, a multivalent zwitterionic network modifier (mZM) is presented for upregulation of ionic exchange and bioactivity enhancement. By introducing a non-zero charged mZM into PACs, an increase in the proportion of non-bridging oxygen occurs. The network modification promotes ion channel formation, causing a multiple-fold increase in ion release and surface deposition of hydroxy-carbonate apatite (ca. 74%). Experiments ex vivo and animal models also demonstrate the efficient remineralization ability of the mZM. Furthermore, divalent cationic interaction results in bacterial biofilm reduction (ca. 68%) while also influencing a shift in the biofilm species composition, which favors commensal growth. Therefore, PAC modification with mZM offers a promising solution for upregulation of bioactivity, even aiding in customization by targeting site-specific regenerative therapy in future applications.

This study aimed to evaluate the superimposition accuracy of digital modes for measuring tooth movement in patients requiring anterior retraction after premolar extraction based on the proposed reference regions.Forty patients treated with bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction were divided into two groups: moderate retraction (7.0 mm) and maximum retraction (≥ 7.0 mm). Central incisor displacement was measured using cephalometric superimpositions and three-dimensional (3D) digital superimpositions with the 3rd or 4th ruga as the reference point. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and linear regression analyses were performed to test the significance of the differences and relationships between the two measurement techniques.In the moderate retraction group, the central incisor anteroposterior displacement values did not differ significantly between 3D digital and cephalometric superimpositions. However, in the maximum-retraction group, significant differences were observed between the anteroposterior displacement evaluated by the 3rd ruga superimposition and cephalometric methods (This study demonstrated that 3D digital superimpositions were clinically as reliable as cephalometric superimpositions in assessing tooth movements in patients requiring moderate retraction. However, the reference point should be carefully examined in patients who require maximum retraction.

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of automated skeletal maturation assessment system for Fishman’s skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) for the use in dental fields. Skeletal maturity is particularly important in orthodontics for the determination of treatment timing and method. SMI is widely used for this purpose, as it is less time-consuming and practical in clinical use compared to other methods. Thus, the existing automated skeletal age assessment system based on Greulich and Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse3 methods was further developed to include SMI using artificial intelligence. This hybrid SMI-modified system consists of three major steps: (1) automated detection of region of interest; (2) automated evaluation of skeletal maturity of each region; and (3) SMI stage mapping. The primary validation was carried out using a dataset of 2593 hand-wrist radiographs, and the SMI mapping algorithm was adjusted accordingly. The performance of the final system was evaluated on a test dataset of 711 hand-wrist radiographs from a different institution. The system achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.772 and mean absolute error and root mean square error of 0.27 and 0.604, respectively, indicating a clinically reliable performance. Thus, it can be used to improve clinical efficiency and reproducibility of SMI prediction.

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate stability of vertical dimension following total arch intrusion using miniscrews by measuring the change during treatment and relapse amount after more than one year of retention. Methods Thirty patients (6 men, 24 women) were included in this study. Lateral cephalographs were taken with conventional radiography at the start of treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and at least one year after treatment (T2). The evaluation was performed by measuring changes of selected parameters during treatment and the extent of relapse after more than one year. Results During total arch intrusion treatment (T1-T0), anterior and posterior teeth intruded significantly. The mean vertical distance between the maxillary posterior teeth and palatal plane was reduced by 2.30 mm (P P P P P Conclusions Anterior facial height significantly decreases after treatment. During retention period, relapse of AFH and maxillary anterior teeth observed. There was no correlation between initial amount of AFH, mandibular plane angle, or SNPog and posttreatment AFH relapse. However, there was a significant correlation between the amount of intrusion of anterior and posterior teeth achieved by the treatment and the extent of relapse.

Biofilms induce microbial-mediated surface roughening and deterioration of cement. In this study, zwitterionic derivatives (ZD) of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, were added in concentrations of 0, 1, and 3% to three different types of commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (RMC-I: RelyX Luting 2, RMC-II: Nexus RMGI, and RMC-III: GC FujiCEM 2). The unmodified RMGICs served as the control group for comparison. The resistance of Streptococcus mutans to ZD-modified RMGIC was evaluated with a monoculture biofilm assay. The following physical properties of the ZD-modified RMGIC were assessed: wettability, film thickness, flexural strength, elastic modulus, shear bond strength, and failure mode. The ZD-modified RMGIC significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with at least a 30% reduction compared to the control group. The addition of ZD improved the wettability of RMGIC; however, only 3% of the SBMA group was statistically different (P P > 0.05). The experimental groups' flexural strength, elastic modulus, and shear bond strength showed an insignificant decrease from the control group; there was no statistical difference within the RMC-I (P > 0.05). The mode of failure differed slightly in each group, but all groups showed dominance in the adhesive and mixed failure. Thus, the addition of 1 wt.% ZD in RMGIC favorably enhanced the resistance to Streptococcus mutans without any tangible loss in flexural and shear bond strength.

Background Phosphate-based glass (PBG) is an attractive bioactive material for promoting the cellular regenerative response. PBG consists of glass network which contains phosphate as the main component and can be substituted into various therapeutic ions. Strontium (Sr) can stimulate osteogenic activity and inhibit the pro-inflammatory response. However, there are limited studies on the characterization and biological performance Sr-substituted PBG (PSr). In this study, PSr was characterized and its of immuno-osteogenic response potential was investigated for substituting Ca with Sr. Considering a priority for cellular activity, we compared the optimized PSr against the benchmark 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) for its effect on cellular bioactive response and regenerative hard tissue. Methods PSr groups were fabricated by a melt-quenching method; subsequently, they were characterized and their biological performance was investigated for the preference of PSr. Considering the clinically used BG as the benchmark, PSr was evaluated based on the cytotoxicity assay, osteogenic activity, pro-inflammatory response, and implantation of calvaria bone defect. Results PSr groups exhibited a glass structure and phosphate network similar to that of PBG. However, the results of ion release analysis showed that PSr6 was stable in accordance with Ca/P, Ca/Sr, and P/Sr ratios. Based on these results, the cellular response of PSr6 was the highest, which increased for the early osteogenic marker and inhibited the inflammatory response. Compared to the clinically used BG as the benchmark, PSr6 promoted osteogenic activity and suppressed inflammatory response. The results of in vivo study indicated that the new bone formation in the PSr6 was similar to that in benchmark BG. However, the limitation of this study was the four weeks of implantation. However, the results of our study suggest that PSr6 is promising for enhancing the immuno-osteogenic response and regenerating hard tissue with the optimized glass structure having Ca/Sr ratio of 2:1. Conclusions The developed PSr6 demonstrated stable physical properties, favorable cytocompatibility, and immune-osteogenic response. Compared with benchmark BG, PSr6 exhibited enhanced immuno-osteogenic response and regeneration of new bone and connective tissues. Therefore, PSr6 is a potential bone grafting material for regenerative hard tissue.

The present study aimed to compare the thickness, gap width, and translucency of 3D-printed and thermoformed clear aligners using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Four groups of clear aligners were tested: thermoformed with single-layer material (TS, polyethylene terephthalate glycol) or a multi-layer material (TM, copolyester-elastomer combination), and 3D-printed TC-85 cleaned with alcohol (PA) or with centrifuge (PC). Aligners (n=10) were fitted onto respective models and micro-CT was performed. Thickness and gap width were measured for different tooth type in sagittal sections on all sides. CIELab coordinates were measured (n=5) to compare the translucency. Depending on tooth type and location, thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners have significantly varied thicknesses and showed a clinically acceptable range of fit with differences in regions of best fit. Centrifugation in post-processing significantly improved the translucency of 3D-printed aligners.

Current method of analyzing three-dimensional soft tissue data, especially in the frontal view, is subjective and has poor reliability. To overcome this limitation, the present study aimed to introduce a new method of analyzing soft tissue data reconstructed by marching cube algorithm (Program S) and compare it with a commercially available program (Program A). Cone-beam computed tomography images of 42 patients were included. Two orthodontists digitized six landmarks (pronasale, columella, upper and lower lip, right and left cheek) twice using both programs in two-week intervals, and the reliability was compared. Furthermore, computer-calculated point (CC point) was developed to evaluate whether human error could be reduced. The results showed that the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of Program S (99.7–100% and 99.9–100%, respectively) were higher than that of Program A (64.0–99.9% and 76.1–99.9%, respectively). Moreover, the inter-examiner difference of coordinate values and distances for all six landmarks in Program S was lower than Program A. Lastly, CC point was provided as a consistent single point. Therefore, it was validated that this new methodology can increase the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of soft tissue landmark digitation and CC point can be used as a landmark to reduce human error.

Low dose and accessibility have increased the application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Often serial images are captured for patients to diagnose and plan treatment in the craniofacial region. However, CBCT images are highly variable and lack harmonious reproduction, especially in the head's orientation. Though user-defined orientation methods have been suggested, the reproducibility remains controversial. Here, we propose a landmark-free reorientation methodology based on principal component analysis (PCA) for harmonious orientation of serially captured CBCTs. We analyzed three serial CBCT scans collected for 29 individuals who underwent orthognathic surgery. We first defined a region of interest with the proposed protocol by combining 2D rendering and 3D convex hull method, and identified an intermediary arrangement point. PCA identified the y-axis (anterioposterior) followed by the secondary x-axis (transverse). Finally, by defining the perpendicular z-axis, a new global orientation was assigned. The goodness of alignment (Hausdorff distance) showed a marked improvement (> 50%). Furthermore, we clustered cases based on clinical asymmetry and validated that the protocol was unaffected by the severity of the skeletal deformity. Therefore, it could be suggested that integrating the proposed algorithm as the preliminary step in CBCT evaluation will address a fundamental step towards harmonizing the craniofacial imaging records.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the success rate and the amount of suture separation after the miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) procedure in relation to the chronological age and sex of the patients. Materials and methods The periapical radiographs of 215 subjects (95 male; 120 female; range, 6–60 years) who had undergone MARPE treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The success of suture separation was determined and, in suture-separated subjects, the amount of suture separation was evaluated by suture separation ratio calculated from the periapical radiograph obtained after active expansion. Association tests were performed using linear-by-linear association, the Jonckheere-Terpstra test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, and linear regression models were also developed. Results The success rate of suture separation was 61.05% in male, 94.17% in female, and 79.53% in both sexes. There was a statistically significant association between older age and suture nonseparation in male (p p = 0.221). In suture-separated subjects, there was a statistically significant trend toward a low amount of suture separation with older age subgroups in both sexes (p Conclusions Older patients treated with MARPE, particularly in male, may have a reduced likelihood of both success in suture separation and sufficient basal bone expansion. Clinical relevance This study demonstrates that clinicians should consider that the success rate of MARPE and the amount of suture separation may depend on chronological age and sex.

Orthodontic facemask is an extraoral orthodontic appliance used in children with skeletal Class III malocclusion to influence the maxillary and mandibular developments in a favorable direction. While the use of facemask is the most effective in patients before the growth peak, skin irritation is often observed during the treatment. Thus, the present retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of such skin changes and distinguish the possible factors associated with them. Patient age and sex; orthodontic parameters, expressing the severity of malocclusion; the presence of complaints in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) areas; and the level of patient cooperation were evaluated. Additionally, in patients with skin reactions the severity and onset time were further analyzed. The results indicated that 43.5% of the patients experienced skin changes, which were characteristic for irritant contact dermatitis. The presence of TMJ complaints, and female sex were found to have a statistically significant correlation with the occurrence of skin irritation. Furthermore, skin irritation was observed more frequently in younger patients. Clinicians should give a particular attention to the skin areas, which come in contact with the appliance at every visit in order to detect any potential problems. Moreover, patients and parents should be provided with sufficient information, regarding the possibility, prevention and management of skin problems during facemask therapy.

Objective To quantitatively analyze the effect of nicotine on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone remodeling in rats using micro-computed tomography and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase immunostaining. Methods Thirty-nine adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: group A, 0.5 mL normal saline (n = 9, 3 per 3, 7, and 14 days); group B, 0.83 mg/kg nicotine (n = 15, 5 per 3, 7, and 14 days); and group C, 1.67 mg/kg nicotine (n = 15, 5 per 3, 7, and 14 days). Each animal received daily intraperitoneal injections of nicotine/saline from the day of insertion of identical 30-g orthodontic force delivery systems. A 5-mm nickel-titanium closed-coil spring was applied between the left maxillary first molar (M1) and the two splinted incisors. The rate of OTM and volumetric bone changes were measured using micro-computed tomography. Osteoclasts were counted on the mesial alveolar bone surface of the distobuccal root of M1. Six dependent outcome variables, including the intermolar distance, bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, trabecular volume, and osteoclast number, were summarized using simple descriptive statistics. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate differences among groups at 3, 7, and 14 days of OTM. Results All six dependent outcome variables showed no statistically significant among group-differences at 3, 7, and 14 days. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that nicotine does not affect OTM and bone remodeling, although fluctuations during the different stages of OTM in the nicotine groups should be elucidated in further prospective studies.

Vapours from origanum oil (O) and thyme oil (T) were applied to the four soil-borne strawberry pathogens Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, Colletotrichum fructicola, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Phytophthora cactorum, causing Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, dieback, and Phytophthora rot, respectively. Increasing T vapour doses in the presence of O vapour strongly inhibited mycelial growths of the four pathogens and vice versa. When mycelia of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and P. cactorum exposed to the combined O + T vapours were transferred to the fresh media, mycelial growth was restored, indicating fungistasis by vapours. However, the mycelial growth of C. fructicola and L. theobromae exposed to the combined O + T vapours have been slightly retarded in the fresh media. Prolonged exposure of strawberry pathogens to O + T vapours in soil environments may be suggested as an alternative method for eco-friendly disease management.

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ObjectivesThe use of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analyses has rapidly increased in clinical oral studies. However, cohort-based clinical research has not sufficiently accounted for the periodic stability in oral microbiota. Herein, we aimed to assess the stability of the oral microbiome across time from an intervention-free “healthy” cohort. Materials and MethodsWe obtained 33 supragingival samples of 11 healthy participants from the biobank. For each participant, we processed one sample as baseline (T0) and two samples spaced at monthly (T1) and quarterly (T2) intervals for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis. ResultsWe observed that taxonomic profiling had a similar pattern of dominant genera, namely Rothia, Prevotella, and Hemophilus, at all-time points. Shannon diversity revealed a significant increase from T0 (pp

Colonization of auto-polymerized acrylic resin by pathogenic Candida albicans is a common problem for denture users. In this study, zinc-modified phosphate-based glass was introduced into an auto-polymerized acrylic resin at concentrations of 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. The mechanical or physical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, and contact angle), surface morphology of the resultant materials, and the antimicrobial effect on C. albicans were investigated. There were no statistical differences in the mechanical properties between the control and the zinc-modified phosphate-based glass samples (p > 0.05); however, the number of C. albicans colony-forming units was significantly lower in the control group (p C. albicans tended not to adhere to the zinc-modified-phosphate-based glass samples. Thus, the zinc-modified materials retained the advantageous mechanical properties of unaltered acrylic resins, while simultaneously exhibiting a strong antimicrobial effect in vitro.

This study aimed to classify the radiographical characteristics of impacted maxillary canines that were surgically exposed followed by orthodontic traction and to investigate the correlation between these characteristics and the traction duration for impacted maxillary canines. This retrospective study enrolled 74 patients with 87 maxillary canines. Cone beam computed tomography images, panoramic radiographs, and medical records were analyzed. Cyst formation and resorption of adjacent roots were observed in 26.4% and 23.0% of cases, respectively. Impacted maxillary canines were mostly distributed in the lateral incisor area. The average traction duration for 47 teeth that met the study criteria was 13.9±8.9 months. The distance from the maxillary canines to the occlusal plane (3c-OP) and to the midline and the angle between the midline and maxillary canines showed a statistically significant correlation with traction duration (p

This cross-sectional study aimed to classify the radiographical characteristics of impacted maxillary canines that were surgically exposed following orthodontic traction and to find out which factor is most closely related to traction duration. This study enrolled 74 patients with 87 maxillary canines. Cone-beam computed tomography images, panoramic radiographs, and medical records were analyzed. Cystic-appearing lesion and resorption of adjacent roots were observed in 26.4% and 23.0% of cases, respectively. Impacted maxillary canines were mostly distributed in the lateral incisor area. The mean (± standard deviation) traction duration for the 47 teeth that met the study criteria was 13.9 (± 8.9) months. Impacted maxillary canines treated with surgical exposure and orthodontic traction showed increasing possibilities of palatal impaction and resorption of the adjacent root as they were located mesially (p r = 0.519, p

Zwitterionic polymers have extraordinary properties, that is, significant hydration and the so-called antipolyelectrolyte effect, which make them suitable for biomedical applications. The hydration induces an antifouling effect, and this has been investigated significantly. The antipolyelectrolyte effect refers to the extraordinary ion-responsive behavior of particular polymers that swell and hydrate considerably in physiological solutions. This actuation begins to attract attention to achieve in vivo antifouling that is challenging for general polyelectrolytes. In this study, we established the sophisticated cornerstone of the antipolyelectrolyte effect in detail, including (i) the essential parameters, (ii) experimental verifications, and (iii) effect of improving antifouling performance. First, we find that both osmotic force and charge screening are essential factors. Second, we identify the antipolyelectrolyte effect by visualizing the swelling and hydration dynamics. Finally, we verify that the antifouling performance can be enhanced by exploiting the antipolyelectrolyte effect and report reduction of 85% and 80% in ex and in vivo biofilm formation, respectively.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based denture base resins easily develop oral bacterial and fungal biofilms, which may constitute a significant health risk. Conventional bacterial-resistant additives and coatings often cause undesirable changes in the resin. Reduced bacterial resistance over time in the harsh oral environment is a major challenge in resin development. Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) has anti-fouling properties; however, due to the oily/rubbery state of this polymer, and its surface aggregation tendency in a resin mixture, its direct use as a resin additive is limited. This study aimed to optimize the use of PMEA in dental resins. Acrylic resins containing a series of PMEA polymers with various molecular weights (MWs) at different concentrations were prepared, and the mechanical properties, surface gloss, direct transmittance, and cytotoxicity were evaluated, along with the distribution of PMEA in the resin. Resins with low-MW PMEA (2000 g mol

Non-native species threaten native ecosystems and species, particularly on islands where rates of endemism and vulnerability to threats are high. Understanding species invasion will aid in providing insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. To identify the non-native sika deer (

Amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have shown significant potential for application in transparent and flexible electronic devices. However, the source and drain (S/D) electrodes of IGZO TFTs with indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films can cause Schottky-like behavior in the output characteristics owing to the formation of a potential barrier between the IGZO and ITO thin films. In this study, we designed and fabricated TFTs by applying a novel ITO S/D electrode layer (375 nm) with co-sputtered IGZO and ITO thin films (125 nm) deposited at room temperature. The proposed TFT exhibits superior electric characteristics ( $\mu _{\text {sat}} =35.4$ cm2/Vs) compared to those of TFTs with conventional ITO electrodes ( $\mu _{\text {sat}} =9.1$ cm2/Vs) owing to its lower contact and channel resistance and the generation of a surface reaction between S/D and channel layers, creating additional oxygen vacancies at the IGZO channel region. The proposed S/D electrode could be fabricated on a glass substrate at low temperatures (below 200 °C). The excellent electrical properties of the proposed IGZO TFT are expected to promote the application of TFTs in advanced displays.

Previously, in the case of malocclusion owing to skeletal discrepancy in adults, the amount of tooth movement was limited since there was no reliable skeletal anchorage device. The only way to treat this case was by repositioning the maxilla and mandible via orthognathic surgery, but most patients are reluctant to undergo surgery owing to the risk and expenses incurred. However, with the current introduction and use of miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices, the entire dental arch can be relocated to a target position without surgery, thus broadening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment compared to the past. For a non-surgical approach to improve skeletal discrepancy, anteroposterior, vertical and transverse displacements of the dental arch are necessary. In this case, the localization of the centre of resistance of the whole arch must precede the appliance design with an appropriate biomechanical design. Especially, in the transverse dimension, the envelope of discrepancy is reportedly narrow, and the tooth movement must accompany the orthopaedic correction involving the midpalatal suture expansion. Recently, in adults with transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) can be performed. Moreover, compared to surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion, MARPE reduces the cost to the patient and achieves clinically acceptable stable maxillary expansion. In this article, we will discuss the role of total arch movement and MARPE in widening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment, despite the inherent limitations of miniscrews' mechanical aspects.

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a commonly used material for the fabrication of biomedical appliances. Although PMMA has several advantages, it is susceptible to microbial insults with practical use. Therefore, different bioactive nanomaterials, such as nanoceria (CeN), have been proposed to enhance the properties of PMMA. In this study, we investigated the effect of the incorporation of CeN into PMMA with and without the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (SBA-15) carriers. The unmodified PMMA specimens (control, CTRL) were compared to groups containing SBA-15, CeN, and the synthesized SBA-15 impregnated with CeN (SBA-15@CeN) at different loading percentages. The mechanical and physical properties of the different SBA-15@CeN groups and their effects on cell viability were investigated, and the optimal CeN concentration was identified accordingly. Our results revealed that flexural strength was significantly (P 0.01) reduced in the SBA-15@CeN

Objective Increased gingival elasticity has been implicated as the cause of relapse following orthodontic rotational tooth movement and approaches to reduce relapse are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN), an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, on gene expression in gingival fibroblasts and relapse after rotational tooth movement in beagle dogs. Methods The lower lateral incisors of five beagle dogs were rotated. SFN or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were injected into the supra-alveolar gingiva of the experimental and control group, respectively, and the effect of SFN on relapse tendency was evaluated. Changes in mRNA expression of extracellular matrix components associated with gingival elasticity in beagles were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Morphology and arrangement of collagen fibers were observed on Masson’s trichrome staining of buccal gingival tissues of experimental and control teeth. Results SFN reduced the amount and percentage of relapse of orthodontic rotation. It also decreased the gene expression of lysyl oxidase and increased the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP 12, compared with DMSO control subjects. Histologically, collagen fiber bundles were arranged irregularly and were not well connected in the SFN-treated group, whereas the fibers extended in parallel and perpendicular directions toward the gingiva and alveolar bone in a more regular and well-ordered arrangement in the DMSO-treated group. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that SFN treatment may be a promising pharmacologic approach to prevent orthodontic rotational relapse caused by increased gingival elasticity of rotated teeth in beagle dogs.