Development of Brief Image Quality Evaluation Criteria for Digital OrthoPantomography （OPG） Images in Dental Radiography

An OPG （orthopantmography） is an extra-oral radiographic imaging method which provides a panoramic or wide view of both jaws and teeth on a single image. Digital OPG images provide high contrast with more details of the dentitions. The research main objective was to produce sophisticated and effective criteria that can be used by any radiographer with sound knowledge to identify common errors of digital OPG images and to increase the concern of high frequency of errors to minimize them to give an optimum image quality. The study was designed as retrospective cross sectional study. Hundred digital OPG images are evaluated by three qualified radiographers who had dental radiography experience and four student radiographers. Paired t-test was used to see the difference between the responses of radiographers and student radiographers. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used to see difference between each evaluator. Possible errors of OPG were divided into four main categories （identification, artifact, anatomical coverage and patient positioning）. Each main category consists of sub-categories. Values of subcategories were given according to their importance to get the total of 100% for each main category. The results showed that there is no significant difference between radiographers and student radiographers’ responses and also between each evaluator. Hence it shows that the criteria were an easy understandable and user-friendly tool. And results showed the frequent error category was loss of anatomical coverage and frequent error was absence of positioning the tongue against the palate.

Accessory Mental Foramen Misdiagnosed as Radiolucent Tumour by Conventional Dental Radiography

The mental foramen is an important landmark for identifying the mental nerve, and the accessory mental foramen is a rare anatomical variation. This article describes the use of computed tomo- graphy (CT) to detect an accessory mental foramen that was initially misdiagnosed as a radiolu- cent tumour in the right premolar region of a 39-year-old woman by panoramic radiography. The case suggests that preoperative CT should be performed to detect any anatomical variations. This knowledge would help in diagnosis, preoperative planning and prevention of intraoperative nerve or vascular injury.

Relevance and Compliance of Requests for Dental Panoramic Radiography Examination at Yaounde (Cameroon)

Background: Research studies made in Cameroon on compliance and relevance in the various areas of imaging, show the failure to comply with administrative and clinical criteria. These research studies led to recommendations meant for result amelioration. However, the orthopantomogram (OPT) field remains less studied in that regard in Cameroon. Aim: Evaluate the relevance and compliance of examination requests for panoramic dental radiography. Setting and Design: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of dental panoramic requests identified during the study period in 4 radiology centres of Yaoundé. Material and Methods: Variables studied here were the validity criteria of imaging examination. Request: Five of which are of administrative order (date of the request, requesting department, patient’s identity, patient’s age, applicant’s identity) and three of clinical order (anatomic region, reason for the examination and the purpose of the examination). Statistical Analysis: Chi-squared test was used with confidence interval of 95%. Results: Patient’s identity (name) was the criteria carrying the highest information (98.9%), followed by the name of the applicant physician (91.6%). Out of 179 requests analysed, 8.6% had complete information. 46.4% of requests had no indications. Dental surgeon was the top prescriber with a total of 112 (62.6%). Conclusion: The quality of dental panoramic requests was not optimal in Yaounde, with lack of precision mostly noted at the level of clinical criteria.

Classification and detection of dental images using meta-learning

Meta-learning of dental X-rays is a machine learning technique that can be used to train models to perform new tasks quickly and with minimal input.Instead of just memorizing a task,this is accomplished through teaching a model how to learn.Algorithms for meta-learning are typically trained on a collection of training problems,each of which has a limited number of labelled instances.Multiple Xray classification tasks,including the detection of pneumonia,coronavirus disease 2019,and other disorders,have demonstrated the effectiveness of meta-learning.Meta-learning has the benefit of allowing models to be trained on dental X-ray datasets that are too few for more conventional machine learning methods.Due to the high cost and lengthy collection process associated with dental imaging datasets,this is significant for dental X-ray classification jobs.The ability to train models that are more resistant to fresh input is another benefit of meta-learning.

Self-assembly of differentiated dental pulp stem cells facilitates spheroid human dental organoid formation and prevascularization

BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling tissue function and regeneration.Dental pulp organoids have been used to recapitulate the processes of tooth development and related diseases.However,the lack of vasculature limits the utility of dental pulp organoids.AIM To improve survival and aid in recovery after stem cell transplantation,we demonstrated the three-dimensional(3D)self-assembly of adult stem cell-human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)and endothelial cells(ECs)into a novel type of spheroid-shaped dental pulp organoid in vitro under hypoxia and conditioned medium(CM).METHODS During culture,primary hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs by exposing them to a hypoxic environment and CM.The hypoxic pretreated hDPSCs were then mixed with ECs at specific ratios and conditioned in a 3D environment to produce prevascularized dental pulp organoids.The biological characteristics of the organoids were analysed,and the regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis were studied.RESULTS The combination of these two agents resulted in prevascularized human dental pulp organoids(Vorganoids)that more closely resembled dental pulp tissue in terms of morphology and function.Single-cell RNA sequencing of dental pulp tissue and RNA sequencing of Vorganoids were integrated to analyse key regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis.The biomarkers forkhead box protein O1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 were identified to be involved in the regulation of Vorganoids.CONCLUSION In this innovative study,we effectively established an in vitro model of Vorganoids and used it to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis during regeneration,facilitating the development of clinical treatment strategies.

Radiography Image Classification Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Research has shown that chest radiography images of patients with different diseases, such as pneumonia, COVID-19, SARS, pneumothorax, etc., all exhibit some form of abnormality. Several deep learning techniques can be used to identify each of these anomalies in the chest x-ray images. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown great success in the fields of image recognition and image classification since there are numerous large-scale annotated image datasets available. The classification of medical images, particularly radiographic images, remains one of the biggest hurdles in medical diagnosis because of the restricted availability of annotated medical images. However, such difficulty can be solved by utilizing several deep learning strategies, including data augmentation and transfer learning. The aim was to build a model that would detect abnormalities in chest x-ray images with the highest probability. To do that, different models were built with different features. While making a CNN model, one of the main tasks is to tune the model by changing the hyperparameters and layers so that the model gives out good training and testing results. In our case, three different models were built, and finally, the last one gave out the best-predicted results. From that last model, we got 98% training accuracy, 84% validation, and 81% testing accuracy. The reason behind the final model giving out the best evaluation scores is that it was a well-fitted model. There was no overfitting or underfitting issues. Our aim with this project was to make a tool using the CNN model in R language, which will help detect abnormalities in radiography images. The tool will be able to detect diseases such as Pneumonia, Covid-19, Effusions, Infiltration, Pneumothorax, and others. Because of its high accuracy, this research chose to use supervised multi-class classification techniques as well as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to classify different chest x-ray images. CNNs are extremely efficient and successful at reducing the number of parameters while maintaining the quality of the primary model. CNNs are also trained to recognize the edges of various objects in any batch of images. CNNs automatically discover the relevant aspects in labeled data and learn the distinguishing features for each class by themselves.

Prospects of 3D Printing Technology in Dental Medicine

With the continuous advancement of technology,the application of 3D printing technology in the field of dental medicine is becoming increasingly widespread.This article aims to explore the current applications and future potential of 3D printing technology in dental medicine and to analyze its benefits and challenges.It first introduces the current state of 3D printing technology in dental implants,crowns,bridges,orthodontics,and maxillofacial surgery.It then discusses the potential applications of 3D printing technology in oral tissue engineering,drug delivery systems,personalized dental prosthetics,and surgical planning.Finally,it analyzes the benefits of 3D printing technology in dental medicine,such as improving treatment accuracy and patient comfort,and shortening treatment times,while also highlighting the challenges faced,such as costs,material choices,and technical limitations.This article aims to provide a reference for professionals in the field of dental medicine and to promote the further application and development of 3D printing technology in this area.

Perception of dental appearance and aesthetic analysis among patients,laypersons and dentists

BACKGROUND Current concepts of beauty are increasingly subjective,influenced by the viewpoints of others.The aim of the study was to evaluate divergences in the perception of dental appearance and smile esthetics among patients,laypersons and dental practitioners.The study goals were to evaluate the influence of age,sex,education and dental specialty on the participants’judgment and to identify the values of different esthetic criteria.Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to a dental appearance questionnaire(DAQ).Two frontal photographs were taken,one during a smile and one with retracted lips.Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from(0-10),where 0 represent(absolutely unaesthetic)and 10 represent(absolutely aesthetic).One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)and t-test analysis were measured for each group.Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance.Among laypersons(including 488 participants),47 pictures“with lips”out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures“without lips”.Among the dentist sample,90 dentists’perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos“with lips”and“without lips”were the same for 23 out of 50 patients.Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients,laypersons and dentists.Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.AIM To compare the perception of dental aesthetic among patients,laypersons,and professional dentists,to evaluate the impact of age,sex,educational background,and income on the judgments made by laypersons,to assess the variations in experience,specialty,age,and sex on professional dentists’judgment,and to evaluate the role of lips,skin shade and tooth shade in different participants’judgments.METHODS Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to DAQ.Two frontal photographs were taken:one during a smile and one with retracted lips.Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from(0-10),where 0 represent(absolutely unaesthetic)and 10 represent(absolutely aesthetic).One-way ANOVA and t-test analysis were measured for each group.RESULTS Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance.Among laypersons(including 488 participants),47 pictures“with lips”out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures“without lips”.Whereas among the dentist sample,90 dentists’perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos“with lips”and“without lips”were the same for 23 out of 50 patients.Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients,laypersons and dentists.CONCLUSION Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.

Conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells treats spinal cord injury by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis

Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In the present study,we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells.We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury,decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-1,and interleukin-1β,promoted axonal and myelin regeneration,and inhibited the formation of glial scars.In addition,in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway.These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.Therefore,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.

RPLP0/TBP are the most stable reference genes for human dental pulp stem cells under osteogenic differentiation

BACKGROUND Validation of the reference gene(RG)stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)data normalisation.Commonly,in an unreliable way,several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions[glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydro-genase(GAPDH),18S rRNA,andβ-actin]without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes.Furthermore,such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recom-mend two or more genes.It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes dis-tortions in the gene expression findings.For tissue engineering,the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions:Undifferentiated and osteogenic dif-ferentiation,both for 35 d.We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs[ribosomal protein,large,P0(RPLP0),TATA-binding protein(TBP),GAPDH,actin beta(ACTB),tubulin(TUB),aminolevulinic acid synthase 1(ALAS1),tyro-sine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein,zeta(YWHAZ),eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha(EF1a),succinate dehydrogenase complex,subunit A,flavoprotein(SDHA),and beta-2-micro-globulin(B2M)]every 7 d(1,7,14,21,28,and 35 d)by RT-qPCR.The data were analysed by the four main algorithms,ΔCt method,geNorm,NormFinder,and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method.We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.RESULTS All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm.The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs.Either theΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes.However,geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1αin the first place.These algorithms’two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH.For BestKeeper,ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG,and SDHA as the least stable RG.The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs,following the RefFinfer ranking.CONCLUSION For the first time,we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs,whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.

Adjuvant postbiotic administration improves dental caries prognosis by restoring the oral microbiota

Conventional filling therapy fails to fundamentally reduce oral cariogenic bacteria.Thus,oral microbiota follow-up intervention after filling would be necessary for improving dental caries prognosis.We recruited 9 caries-free individuals,and 89 dental caries subjects(5 dropouts).Eighty-nine patients were randomized into three groups:caries(n=8;no treatment),control(n=40;filling),and postbiotics(n=41;filling and 14-day Probio-Eco®intervention).Salivary samples were collected at 0 day(after filling)and 14 days.Our results showed that the diversity of dental caries oral microbiota was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects,and filling could restore a healthier oral microbiota partially and temporarily.Thepostbiotics intervention keeps a low alpha-diversity.Co-occurrence network analysis showed that a more stable oral microbiota structure after postbiotics intervention.Taxonomic and functional annotation of the microbiota revealed that postbiotics co-treatment significantly:increased the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and P.reactans,decreased the relative abundance of Prevotella shahii,and enriched the energy metabolism-related pathways.BugBase-predicted phenotypes inferred to an oral microbiota with decreased potential pathogenic bacteria and increased oxidative stress-tolerant bacteria after postbiotics intervention.Collectively,it suggested that postbiotics co-treatment could be a promising strategy that restores the oral microecological balance for dental caries.

The Dental Absces: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects at the Dental Office of the Prefectoral Hospital of Siguiri in 2021 in the Republic of Guinea

Introduction: A dental abscess is a collection of pus located in the tissues surrounding the tooth roots. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of dental abscess in order to contribute to the management of patients suffering from this pathology at the dental office of the Siguiri Prefectural Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting 2 months carried out on the registers of patients received between October 2017 and October 2020 at the dental office of the Siguiri prefectural hospital. Results: 4690 patient files were identified during the study, of which 546 met our selection criteria, i.e. a frequency of 11.64%. During our study, we found 51.83% female compared to 48.17% male, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.07. 54.21% of our patients resided in rural communes compared to 45.76% for the urban commune. The age group most affected was that of 16 - 25 years old or 33.69%. Swelling, pain and functional discomfort were the reasons for consultation in all patients followed by other associated reasons in 41.21%. The premolar-molar group was the most represented, i.e. 86.70%. 80.04% of our patients presented an acute abscess compared to 19.96% of chronic cases. Antibiotic, analgesic, and mouthwash were prescribed in all patients during the study followed by 96.37% of cases prescription of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 93.04% of causal teeth were extracted followed by 6.78% of cases of conservative treatment in our study. In our study, 80.95% of our patients had a good post-therapeutic outcome. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for prevention and early management of dental abscesses.

Study on the Treatment of Reusable Care Equipment in Public and Private Dental Practices in the City of Conakry

Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care instruments in dental practices in the city of Conakry. Methods: We carried out an observational and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type lasting three months from January to April 2022 in public and private dental practices approved for activities. Results: A total of 48 dental practices were surveyed, including 7 public and 41 private. 91.67% had the trays for instrument sterilization. 77.08% had a sterilization device. The instruments were: cleaned 100%, disinfected 70.83%, sterilized 20.83% and 20.83% reused the instruments without being sterilized. 72.97% sterilized the instruments at the end of the day. 50% of respondents declared that there were six stages of sterilization. According to standard standards, one dental office or 2.70% respected the normal sterilization process and 13.51% respected the duration and temperature. The storage quality was inadequate at 95.83%. 95.83% of dental practices are at high risk of contamination. The difficulties encountered by staff in daily activity during our study were lack of hygienists (87.50%), insufficient material resources (58.33%), and lack of protocol procedure (45.83%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to note shortcomings of dental surgeons in the process of processing reusable care materials.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies among Patients Who Report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s Orthodontic Clinic

BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are variations from the established well-known general anatomy and morphology of the tooth as a result of disturbances during tooth formation. They can be developmental, congenital, or acquired and may be localized to a single tooth or involve systemic conditions. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients who report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) dental clinics. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a sample size of 92 patients aged 18 or older, obtained through convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: The study included 92 patients aged 18 to 72 years, with 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Dental anomalies were observed in 51.1% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (55.3%). The most common anomalies were diastema (48.3%), impacted teeth (22.0%), dilaceration (11.9%), and peg-shaped lateral teeth (6.8%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough dental examinations to identify and address dental anomalies, which may have implications for treatment. Early detection and correction of these anomalies are crucial to prevent future complications.

Prescription of Antibiotics in Oral-Dental Practice: Case of the Dental Practice at the Coyah Prefectoral Hospital in the Republic of Guinea 2019-2020

Introduction: Antibiotics are medications that have the property of destroying bacteria or preventing their proliferation. The aim of this study is to evaluate antibiotic prescriptions in oral practice: case of the dental office of the Coyah prefectural hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place from August 2019 to January 2020 inclusive, i.e. a duration of six (6) months, during which 400 patients were identified. Results: Our results revealed a frequency of 70% of antibiotic prescriptions. The 16 - 25-year-old age group was the most dismayed, at 47.25% and with an average age of 27.78 years. Men represent 55% compared to 45% of women, i.e. sex ratio of 1.22. Pulp gangrene was the most common pathology in 55% of cases. The most prescribed family was Betalactamine or 61.71% and the most represented molecules were Amoxicillin with 56.10% followed by Metronidazole or 34.16%. And the favorable prognosis was observed in 99% of cases. Conclusion: Prescription should always be based on the benefit-risk ratio. This prescription by practitioners aims to prevent or eradicate infections and pain in order to obtain a good therapeutic result.

Associated Factors of Dental Caries among Intellectually Disabled Persons in Specialized Centers of Ouagadougou

Introduction: Several studies have reported a high prevalence of dental caries among the people with intellectual disabilities. In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors associated with it, we conducted a study in specialized centers welcoming subjects with intellectual disabilities in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with it among intellectually disabled in the specialized centers of Ouagadougou. Methods: The study was cross-sectional analytical. The survey took place between November 2020 and January 2021 among people with intellectual disabilities in reception centers receiving a grant from the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action. Data collection was done with a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and dental caries was recorded according to WHO criteria in decayed, missing or filled teeth generating a DMF index. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the presence of dental caries. Results: A total of 193 participants were included in the study with an average age of 12.4 years ± 7.9. The overall prevalence of caries measured with the DMF index was 58.6% 95% CI [51.2 - 65.8]. It was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 4.2;95% CI [1.4 - 12.5], p = 0,01), the clinical form of mental illness (epilepsy OR = 3.8 95%;CI [1.2 - 12.7], p = 0,02, trisomy OR = 5.0;95% CI [1.1 - 22.9], p = 0,03, motor autonomy OR = 0.2 95%;CI [0.1 - 0.7], p = 0,01) and at use of toothpaste OR = 9.33;95% CI [1.05 - 82.7], p = 0,04. Conclusion: Dental caries remains a very present pathology in most people living with an intellectual disability. Also, it is necessary to put in place prevention strategies to reduce its prevalence and improve access to oral care for these people.

An overview of autophagy in the differentiation of dental stem cells

Dental stem cells(DSCs)have attracted significant interest as autologous stem cells since they are easily accessible and give a minimal immune response.These properties and their ability to both maintain self-renewal and undergo multi-lineage differentiation establish them as key players in regenerative medicine.While many regulatory factors determine the differentiation trajectory of DSCs,prior research has predominantly been based on genetic,epigenetic,and molecular aspects.Recent evidence suggests that DSC differentiation can also be influenced by autophagy,a highly conserved cellular process responsible for maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis under various stress conditions.This comprehensive review endeavors to elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanism and relationship between autophagy and DSC differentiation.To achieve this goal,we dissect the intricacies of autophagy and its mechanisms.Subsequently,we elucidate its pivotal roles in impacting DSC differentiation,including osteo/odontogenic,neurogenic,and angiogenic trajectories.Furthermore,we reveal the regulatory factors that govern autophagy in DSC lineage commitment,including scaffold materials,pharmaceutical cues,and the extrinsic milieu.The implications of this review are far-reaching,underpinning the potential to wield autophagy as a regulatory tool to expedite DSC-directed differentiation and thereby promote the application of DSCs within the realm of regenerative medicine.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Human dental pulp stem/stromal cells in clinical practice

Dental pulp stem/stromal cells(DPSCs)are fibroblast-like,neural crest-derived,and multipotent cells that can differentiate into several lineages.They are relatively easy to isolate from healthy and inflamed pulps,with little ethical concerns and can be successfully cryopreserved and thawed.The therapeutic effects of DPSCs derived from animal or human sources have been extensively studied through in-vitro and in-vivo animal experiments and the findings indicated that DPSCs are effective not only for dental diseases but also for systemic diseases.Understanding that translational research is a critical step through which the fundamental scientific discoveries could be translated into applicable diagnostics and therapeutics that directly benefit humans,several clinical studies were carried out to generate evidence for the efficacy and safety of autogenous or allogeneic human DPSCs(hDPSCs)as a treatment modality for use in cell-based therapy,regenerative medicine/dentistry and tissue engineering.In clinical medicine,hDPSCs were effective for treating acute ischemic stroke and human exfoliated deciduous teeth-conditioned medium(SHED-CM)repaired vascular damage of the corpus cavernous,which is the main cause of erectile dysfunction.Whereas in clinical dentistry,autologous SHED was able to rege-nerate necrotic dental pulp after implantation into injured teeth,and micrografts enriched with autologous hDPSCs and collagen sponge were considered a treatment option for human intrabony defects.In contrast,hDPSCs did not add a significant regenerative effect when they were used for the treatment of post-extraction sockets.Large-scale clinical studies across diverse populations are still lacking to provide robust evidence on the safety and efficacy of hDPSCs as a new treatment option for various human diseases including dental-related problems.

Hepatitis B Vaccination in Medical and Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medical and dental students are at risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. The study aimed to assess the vaccination status against Hepatitis B Virus of students in clinical and non-clinical years of a private medical and dental college, and their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about the subject. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire among 203 medical and dental students of CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (CMH LMC & IOD) in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were evaluated for their knowledge and vaccination status against Hepatitis B Virus. Students were considered to be fully vaccinated (recipients of 3 doses), partially vaccinated (recipients of 1 or 2 doses), and unvaccinated. Comparisons were made between students of clinical and non-clinical years. Data was entered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: Only 66% (n = 134) of the 203 participants had ever received a Hepatitis B Virus vaccine out of which a meagre 17.2% (n = 35) were fully vaccinated. No significant difference was found in vaccine uptake between students of clinical and non-clinical years (p-value = 0.181) despite significant differences seen in the knowledge of vaccination schedule (p-value = 0.001), the prevalence of needle-stick injuries (p-value = 0.001), and knowledge of protocols to be followed after a needle-stick injury (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study found that a large proportion of the student population is vulnerable to HBV infection. There is a need to create awareness regarding the subject to increase vaccine uptake. HBV vaccination should be offered to all currently enrolled students and be made mandatory at the time of admission in the future.