Glimpse into the future of prosthodontics:The synergy of artificial intelligence

Prosthodontics,deals in the restoration and replacement of missing and structurally compromised teeth,this field has been remarkably transformed in the last two decades.Through the integration of digital imaging and threedimensional printing,prosthodontics has evolved to provide more durable,precise,and patient-centric outcome.However,as we stand at the convergence of technology and healthcare,a new era is emerging,one that holds immense promise for the field and that is artificial intelligence(AI).In this paper,we explored the fascinating challenges and prospects associated with the future of prosthodontics in the era of AI.

Potential therapeutic role of spermine via Rac1 in osteoporosis:Insights from zebrafish and mice

Osteoporosis(OP)is a prevalent metabolic bone disease.While drug therapy is essential to prevent bone loss in osteoporotic patients,current treatments are limited by side effects and high costs,necessitating the development of more effective and safer targeted therapies.Utilizing a zebrafish(Danio rerio)larval model of osteoporosis,we explored the influence of the metabolite spermine on bone homeostasis.Results showed that spermine exhibited dual activity in osteoporotic zebrafish larvae by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption.Spermine not only demonstrated excellent biosafety but also mitigated prednisolone-induced embryonic neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.Notably,spermine showcased protective attributes in the nervous systems of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.At the molecular level,Rac1 was identified as playing a pivotal role in mediating the antiosteoporotic effects of spermine,with P53 potentially acting downstream of Rac1.These findings were confirmed using mouse(Mus musculus)models,in which spermine not only ameliorated osteoporosis but also promoted bone formation and mineralization under healthy conditions,suggesting strong potential as a bonestrengthening agent.This study underscores the beneficial role of spermine in osteoporotic bone homeostasis and skeletal system development,highlighting pivotal molecular mediators.Given their efficacy and safety,human endogenous metabolites like spermine are promising candidates for new anti-osteoporotic drug development and daily bone-fortifying agents.

A personalized electronic textile for ultrasensitive pressure sensing enabled by biocompatible MXene/ PEDOT:PSS composite

Flexible,breathable,and highly sensitive pressure sensors have increasingly become a focal point of interest due to their pivotal role in healthcare monitoring,advanced electronic skin applications,and disease diagnosis.However,traditional methods,involving elastomer film-based substrates or encapsulation techniques,often fall short due to mechanical mismatches,discomfort,lack of breathability,and limitations in sensing abilities.Consequently,there is a pressing need,yet it remains a significant challenge to create pressure sensors that are not only highly breathable,flexible,and comfortable but also sensitive,durable,and biocompatible.Herein,we present a biocompatible and breathable fabric-based pressure sensor,using nonwoven fabrics as both the sensing electrode(coated with MXene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate[PEDOT:PSS])and the interdigitated electrode(printed with MXene pattern)via a scalable spray-coating and screen-coating technique.The resultant device exhibits commendable air permeability,biocompatibility,and pressure sensing performance,including a remarkable sensitivity(754.5 kPa^(−1)),rapid response/recovery time(180/110 ms),and robust cycling stability.Furthermore,the integration of PEDOT:PSS plays a crucial role in protecting the MXene nanosheets from oxidation,significantly enhancing the device's long-term durability.These outstanding features make this sensor highly suitable for applications in fullrange human activities detection and disease diagnosis.Our study underscores the promising future of flexible pressure sensors in the realm of intelligent wearable electronics,setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Increased Oxygen Vacancies in CuO-ZnO Snowflake-like Composites Drive the Hydrogenation of CO_(2) to Methanol

Cu/ZnO is widely used in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to methanol (CH_(3)OH) to improve the lowconversion rate and selectivity generally observed. In this work, a series of In, Zr, Co, and Ni-doped CuO-ZnO catalysts wassynthesized via a hydrothermal method. By introducing a second metal element, the activity and dispersion of the activesites can be adjusted and the synergy between the metal and the carrier can be enhanced, forming an abundance of oxygenvacancies. Oxygen vacancies not only adsorb CO_(2) but also activate the intermediates in methanol synthesis, playing a keyrole in the entire reaction. Co3O4-CuO-ZnO had the best catalytic performance (a CO_(2) conversion rate of 9.17%;a CH_(3)OHselectivity of 92.77%). This study describes a typical strategy for multi-component doping to construct a catalyst with anabundance of oxygen vacancies, allowing more effective catalysis to synthesize CH_(3)OH from CO_(2).

3D-printed Mg-1Ca/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds with promoted bone regeneration

In bone tissue engineering,polycaprolactone(PCL)is a promising material with good biocompatibility,but its poor degradation rate,mechanical strength,and osteogenic properties limit its application.In this study,we developed an Mg-1Ca/polycaprolactone(Mg-1Ca/PCL)composite scaffolds to overcome these limitations.We used a melt blending method to prepare Mg-1Ca/PCL composites with Mg-1Ca alloy powder mass ratios of 5,10,and 20 wt%.Porous scaffolds with controlled macro-and microstructure were printed using the fused deposition modeling method.We explored the mechanical strength,biocompatibility,osteogenesis performance,and molecular mechanism of the Mg-1Ca/PCL composites.The 5 and 10 wt%Mg-1Ca/PCL composites were found to have good biocompatibility.Moreover,they promoted the mechanical strength,proliferation,adhesion,and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells(hBMSCs)of pure PCL.In vitro degradation experiments revealed that the composite material stably released Mg_(2)+ions for a long period;it formed an apatite layer on the surface of the scaffold that facilitated cell adhesion and growth.Microcomputed tomography and histological analysis showed that both 5 and 10 wt%Mg-1Ca/PCL composite scaffolds promoted bone regeneration bone defects.Our results indicated that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was involved in the osteogenic effect.Therefore,Mg-1Ca/PCL composite scaffolds are expected to be a promising bone regeneration material for clinical application.Statement of significance:Bone tissue engineering scaffolds have promising applications in the regeneration of critical-sized bone defects.However,there remain many limitations in the materials and manufacturing methods used to fabricate scaffolds.This study shows that the developed Ma-1Ca/PCL composites provides scaffolds with suitable degradation rates and enhanced boneformation capabilities.Furthermore,the fused deposition modeling method allows precise control of the macroscopic morphology and microscopic porosity of the scaffold.The obtained porous scaffolds can significantly promote the regeneration of bone defects.

Improving the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid (Polyether Ether Keton) Composites

Statement of Problem: Polyether ether ketone material is considered as an important thermoplastic material due to its properties. To obtain a high value stress and tougher hybrid PEEK during different dental applications. Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to improve some mechanical and physical properties of dental (polyether ether ketone) PEEK. Different mechanical properties will be measured at different time intervals after incubation in the Ringer solution. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 samples were produced (n) = 20 used for each test. 2 groups of different PEEK materials were used;extrusion PEEK and compression PEEK (PPE, PPC). All PEEK specimens will be tested after dry storage and then retested after incubation in Ringer’s solution for 1 day, 1 week and 3 weeks at 37®C. Four different mechanical tests were performed for each PEEK sample;Compression, Bending, tensile, and hardness tests will be applied. ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results of mechanical strength tests including compression, tensile, bending and hardness tests on PEEK (PPE, PPC) showed higher strength values. Incubation with Ringer’s solution at different time intervals affected only the one-week and three-week incubation time values for the entire PEEK sample type. Pure PEEK compression groups (PPC) show higher mechanical stress degrees than other pure PEEK extrusion groups (PPE) while the Stress and strain values showed no significant difference between the two pure PEEK groups (P-value > 0.05). Mechanical tests showed different results between different PEEK samples at different time storage intervals. Conclusion: The measuring parameters (pressure stress, bending stress, tensile stress and hardness value) varied across the study groups (PPE, PPC) and across the four storage conditions/times (dry condition and one day, one week and three weeks in Ringer solution) within the same group.

Effect of Wearing a Maxillofacial Prosthesis on Masticatory Rhythm Improvement in Mandibulectomy Patients

Background: Recording jaw movement rhythms in patients with jaw defects is challenging using conventional tracking devices. However, masticatory rhythm is crucial for masticatory performance and nutritional intake. This study aimed to explore the impact of using a maxillofacial prosthesis to restore masticatory rhythm in mandibulectomy patients with a novel wearable device. Methods: Twelve patients who underwent mandibulectomy and were rehabilitated with maxillofacial prosthesis were recruited. Chewing rate, cycle durations, coefficient of variation of cycle durations (CV), changing times of skin morphology on the back of the ear pinna area (SM), and masticatory performance were measured during gum chewing without and with a denture using a wearable jaw movement rhythm tracking device. A paired t-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: The chewing rate increased by 8.6 cycles/min with dentures (P P = 0.01). The CV and SM decreased with dentures (P = 0.004 and P = 0.01, respectively). Significant correlations were found between the CV and SM without dentures (P = 0.004). Conclusion: 1. Wearing maxillofacial prostheses can improve masticatory rhythm in patients who undergo mandibulectomy with Eichner B2 occlusal supports. 2. The wearable device is available for measuring masticatory rhythm in patients with jaw defects in clinics. 3. Changing times of the skin morphology on the back of the ear pinna indicate jaw movement stability through a simpler process than the coefficient of variation of cycle durations.

Cinobufotalin prevents bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice through the BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Background:Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by bone loss and decreased bone strength.However,current anti-resorptive drugs carry a risk of various complications.The deep learning-based efficacy prediction system(DLEPS)is a forecasting tool that can effectively compete in drug screening and prediction based on gene expression changes.This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanisms of cinobufotalin(CB),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),on bone loss.Methods:DLEPS was employed for screening anti-osteoporotic agents according to gene profile changes in primary osteoporosis.Micro-CT,histological and morphological analysis were applied for the bone protective detection of CB,and the osteogenic differentiation/function in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMMSCs)were also investigated.The underlying mechanism was verified using qRT-PCR,Western blot(WB),immunofluorescence(IF),etc.Results:A safe concentration(0.25mg/kg in vivo,0.05μM in vitro)of CB could effectively preserve bone mass in estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss and promote osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs.Both BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways participated in CB-induced osteogenic differentiation,further regulating the expression of osteogenesis-associated factors,and ultimately promoting osteogenesis.Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that CB could significantly reverse estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss,further promoting osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs,with BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways involved.

A Review on Silk Fibroin as a Biomaterial in Tissue Engineering

Regenerative medicine progress is based on the development of cell and tissue bioengineering. One of the aims of tissue engineering is the development of scaffolds, which should substitute the functions of the replaced organ after their implantation into the body. The tissue engineering material must meet a range of requirements, including biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and elasticity. Furthermore, the materials have to be attractive for cell growth: stimulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. One of the natural biomaterials is silk and its component (silk fibroin). An increasing number of scientists in the world are studying silk and silk fibroin. The purpose of this review article is to provide information about the properties of natural silk (silk fibroin), as well as its manufacture and clinical application of each configuration of silk fibroin in medicine. Materials and research methods. Actual publications of foreign authors on resources PubMed, Medline, E-library have been analyzed. The selection criteria were materials containing information about the structure and components of silk, methods of its production in nature. This article placed strong emphasis on silk fibroin, the ways of artificial modification of it for use in various sphere of medicine.

Update on the use of 45S5 bioactive glass in the treatment of bone defects in regenerative medicine

Bone regeneration is a critical area in regenerative medicine,particularly in orthopedics,demanding effective biomedical materials for treating bone defects.45S5 bioactive glass(45S5 BG)is a promising material because of its osteoconductive and bioactive properties.As research in this field continues to advance,keeping up-to-date on the latest and most successful applications of this material is imperative.To achieve this,we conducted a comprehensive search on Pub-Med/MEDLINE,focusing on English articles published in the last decade.Our search used the keywords“bioglass 45S5 AND bone defect”in combination.We found 27 articles,and after applying the inclusion criteria,we selected 15 studies for detailed examination.Most of these studies compared 45S5 BG with other cement or scaffold materials.These comparisons demonstrate that the addition of various composites enhances cellular biocompatibility,as evidenced by the cells and their osteogenic potential.Moreover,the use of 45S5 BG is enhanced by its antimicrobial properties,opening avenues for additional investigations and applications of this biomaterial.

Exploring the Association between Oral Microbiome and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review

Objective: Some studies have investigated the association between oral microbiome and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there needs to be more narrative reviews synthesizing this evidence. This study aimed to bridge this gap in the current knowledge. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE) to identify studies examining the association between the oral microbiome and MCI. Search parameters and inclusion criteria were clearly defined, encompassing terms related to the oral microbiome, MCI, and their association. Two authors independently selected relevant studies and performed data extraction. Result: Four studies were included. Two cohort studies and two case-control reported an association between the oral microbiome and MCI. Conclusion: Based on the evidence synthesized from the included studies, the review suggests an association between MCI and the oral microbiome. Specifically, all included studies identified significant differences in the abundance of specific microbial species between individuals with MCI and those with normal cognitive function, underscoring the potential role of these species in neuroinflammatory diseases.

Relationship between Inter Canine Width and Inter Alar Width, Inter Commissural Width, and Inter Canthal Distance: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between inter canine width (ICW) and inter alar width (IAW), inter commissural width (ICoW), and inter canthal distance (ICaD) in Bantu population. Materials and Methods: It was a pilot study included all participants who were aged at least 18 years, without a history of orthodontics treatment from Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Kinshasa. The Ethics committee of the National Center of Research for Dental Sciences in DR Congo approved the study protocol (CNRSB 1504.218). The participants medical records were obtained from the interview and dental examination. Nature of the study was explained with participant information sheet, and an informed consent of all participants was obtained. The inclusion criteria were no missing maxillary and mandibular teeth, no diastema, and no anterior restorations, 18 years old before enrollment in the study. The exclusion criteria were inability to meet the above requirements, pregnancy, and refusal to participate in the study. The inter-canine width (ICW), inter alar width (IAW), inter canthal distance (ICaD) and inter-commissural width (ICoW) of each participant were measured with a digital Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo, UK Ltd.,) (0.01 mm) three times and the average value was recorded. The inter canthal distance (ICaD) was measured without applying pressure by bringing the recording parts of the caliper just in contact with the medial angle. The inter alar width (IAW) was marked with a fine marked pencil on the widest outer surface of the alae of the nose on either side or width. Those two points were measured without applying pressure by bringing the recording parts of the caliper just in contact with the outer surface. The participant was told to stop breathing shortly to avoid any change in shape of the nose. The inter-commissural width (ICoW) was determined by measuring the maxillary lip vermilion from commissure to commissure without the application of pressure on the tissue in the relaxed state. The inter-canine width (ICW) was measured indirectly using a dental floss. A dental floss was marked on one end prior to placement in the mouth. Using that point as reference, the dental floss was circumference along the curvature of the anterior dentition such that it passed along the contact point of all the teeth. The distal end of the canine teeth on both sides was then marked on the floss while it was stretched in the patients mouth. Floss was marked on both sides with the marker pencil. The distance between the two proximal contact points was measured and recorded. Data, analysis and validation were performed by the SPSS software (version 22.0, IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago, IL, USA). Unpaired t-test was used, of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to test for comparability between socio-demographic characteristics dental measurements. Pearsons correlation coefficients test was calculated to determine the relationship between facial and dental parameters. Significance was set at P 0.01. Results: Of 314 participants enrolled, 202 were included. The age ranged from 18 to 68 years, with a mean age of 40.62 12.99 years. Although the Pearsons correlation coefficients were negative. Ninety-three participants (46%) were men and one hundred and nine (54%) were women. The overall mean age was 40.62 12.99 years. Facial and dental measurements were greater in women than men with significant differences for ICW (p = 0.04). However, no significant difference was seen between men and women for IAW, ICaD and ICoW (p = 0.44, p = 0.23, p = 0.31 respectively). The correlation including Pearsons correlation coefficient and P-values for all participants is not demonstrated. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that IAW, ICaD and ICoW cannot be used as a preliminary method for determining the width of the maxillary for anterior teeth for edentulous patients.

Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti烧结合金作为口腔科和骨科植入体的生物相容性和成骨活性

采用细胞培养实验系统评价新型Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti合金的生物相容性和成骨活性。采用轮廓仪和视频光学接触角测量仪测定合金的表面粗糙度和接触角。从蛋白质吸附和材料对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞、NIH3T3成纤维细胞和RAW264.7巨噬细胞的细胞毒性、黏附与增殖方面评价合金的生物学性能。通过碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性、细胞外基质的矿化和胶原蛋白的分泌评价成骨活性。采用流式细胞术测定巨噬细胞极化以评估免疫反应。结果表明,Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti合金的生物学性能优于CP-Ti合金,其成骨活性亦明显优于CP-Ti。在最初24 h内,Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti合金能诱导巨噬细胞表型M1和M2的平衡表达。因Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti合金良好的表面性能和化学成分,其具有更优的生物相容性和成骨活性。总之,Zr-30Ta和Zr-25Ta-5Ti合金是口腔科和骨科植入体的潜在候选材料。

High-fat diet and oral infection induced type 2 diabetes and obesity development under different genetic backgrounds

Background:Type 2 diabetes(T2D)is an adult-onset and obese form of diabetes caused by an interplay between genetic,epigenetic,and environmental components.Here,we have assessed a cohort of 11 genetically different collaborative cross(CC)mouse lines comprised of both sexes for T2D and obesity developments in response to oral infection and high-fat diet(HFD)challenges.Methods:Mice were fed with either the HFD or the standard chow diet(control group)for 12 weeks starting at the age of 8 weeks.At week 5 of the experiment,half of the mice of each diet group were infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria strains.Throughout the 12-week experimental period,body weight(BW)was recorded biweekly,and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were performed at weeks 6 and 12 of the experiment to evaluate the glucose tolerance status of mice.Results:Statistical analysis has shown the significance of phenotypic variations between the CC lines,which have different genetic backgrounds and sex effects in different experimental groups.The heritability of the studied phenotypes was estimated and ranged between 0.45 and 0.85.We applied machine learning methods to make an early call for T2D and its prognosis.The results showed that classification with random forest could reach the highest accuracy classification(ACC=0.91)when all the attributes were used.Conclusion:Using sex,diet,infection status,initial BW,and area under the curve(AUC)at week 6,we could classify the final phenotypes/outcomes at the end stage of the experiment(at 12 weeks).

Recent advances in 3D printed electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices

Electrochemical energy storage(EES)systems like batteries and supercapacitors are becoming the key power sources for attempts to change the energy dependency from inadequate fossil fuels to sustainable and renewable resources.Electrochemical energy storage devices(EESDs)operate efficiently as a result of the construction and assemblage of electrodes and electrolytes with appropriate structures and effective materials.Conventional manufacturing procedures have restrictions on regulating the morphology and architecture of the electrodes,which would influence the performance of the devices.3D printing(3DP)is an advanced manufacturing technology combining computer-aided design and has been recognised as an artistic method of fabricating different fragments of energy storage devices with its ability to precisely control the geometry,porosity,and morphology with improved specific energy and power densities.The capacity to create mathematically challenging shape or configuration designs and high-aspect-ratio 3D architectures makes 3D printing technology unique in its benefits.Nevertheless,the control settings,interactive manufacturing processes,and protracted post-treatments will affect the reproducibility of the printed components.More intelligent software,sophisticated control systems,high-grade industrial equipment,and post-treatment-free methods are necessary to develop.3D printed(3DPd)EESDs necessitate dynamic printable materials and composites that are influenced by performance criteria and fundamental electrochemistry.Herein,we review the recent advances in 3DPd electrodes for EES applications.The emphasis is on printable material synthesis,3DP techniques,and the electrochemical performance of printed electrodes.For the fabrication of electrodes,we concentrate on major 3DP technologies such as direct ink writing(DIW),inkjet printing(IJP),fused deposition modelling(FDM),and stereolithography3DP(SLA).The benefits and drawbacks of each 3DP technology are extensively discussed.We provide an outlook on the integration of synthesis of emerging nanomaterials and fabrication of complex structures from micro to macroscale to construct highly effective electrodes for the EESDs.

New clinical application of digital intraoral scanning technology in occlusal reconstruction:A case report

BACKGROUND Digital intraoral scanning,although developing rapidly,is rarely used in occlusal reconstruction.To compensate for the technical drawbacks of current occlusal reconstruction techniques,such as time consumption and high technical requirements,digital intraoral scanning can be used in clinics.This report aims to provide a way of selecting the most suitable maxillo-mandibular relationship(MMR)during recovery.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man with severely worn posterior teeth underwent occlusal reconstruction with fixed prosthesis using digital intraoral scanning.A series of digital models in different stages of treatment were obtained,subsequently compared,and selected using digital intraoral scanning together with traditional measurements,such as cone beam computed tomography,joint imaging,and clinical examination.Using digital intraoral scanning,the MMR in different stages of treatment was accurately recorded,which provided feasibility for deciding the best occlusal reconstruction treatment,made the treatment process easier,and improved patient satisfaction.CONCLUSION This case report highlights the clarity,recordability,repeatability,and selectivity of digital intraoral scanning to replicate and transfer the MMR during occlusal reconstruction,expanding new perspectives for its design,fabrication,and postoperative evaluation.

With two episodes of right retromandibular angle subcutaneous emphysema during right upper molar crown preparation:A case report

BACKGROUND Subcutaneous emphysema is a well-known complication of oral surgery,especially during mandibular wisdom tooth extraction.However,subcutaneous emphysema secondary to dental procedures such as crown preparation is rare.The main symptom of emphysema is swelling and crepitus on palpation.Uncontrolled emphysema may spread along the fascial planes and cause deep space infections or a pneumomediastinum.CASE SUMMARY In this paper,we report a 34-year-old female who underwent upper molar tooth preparation for crowns and subsequently developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema on the retromandibular angle on two different occasions.The treatment plan for this patient involved close observation of the airway,and administration of dexamethasone and antibiotics via intravenous drip or orally.Ice bag compression was quickly applied and medication was prescribed to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.Although the main reason is unclear,the presence of a fissure in the molar is an important clue which may contribute to the development of subcutaneous emphysema during crown preparation.It is imperative for dental professionals to recognize such pre-disposing factors in order to minimize the risk of complications.CONCLUSION This case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and management of subcutaneous emphysema because of the risk of much more serious complications.Awareness of relatively“benign”subcutaneous emphysema during any dental procedure is critical not only for inexperienced dentists,but also for those who work in rural and remote settings as members of surgical teams.In this study,we review the clinical presentation,mechanism,and differential diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema.

Magnesium alloys in tumor treatment:Current research status, challenges and future prospects

Cancer is a major threat to human life worldwide. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery, have major limitations and can cause irreversible damage to normal tissues while killing the cancer cells. Magnesium(Mg) alloys are widely reported novel potential biomedical materials with acceptable mechanical properties and good osteogenic and angiogenic properties. In this review, we summarize the Mg alloys for antitumor applications, including pure Mg and Mg alloys(Mg-Ag, Mg-Gd, Mg-Li-Zn, Mg-Ca-Sr-Zn, et al.) fabricated by casting and extruding, selective laser melting methods. Mg alloys can exhibit antitumor effect on bone tumor, breast cancer, and liver tumor,etal. What's more, after tumor tissue is eliminated, Mg alloys prevent tumor recurrence, fill tissue defects and promote tissue regeneration.The antitumor effects of Mg alloys are mainly due to their degradation products. Overall, Mg alloys show great potential in tumor treatments due to the dual function of antitumor and tissue regeneration.

Effects and Predictions of Oral Appliances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Since April 2004, the Asahi University Medical and Dental Center (hereinafter referred to as our center) has been providing oral appliances (hereinafter referred to as OA) to treat patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The effects of using the OA and progress of 71 patients who received treatment at our center by wearing OA from March 2005 to the end of March 2016 were examined through questionnaires sent by physical mail. In 21 of 24 patients who underwent polysomnography after wearing OA, the apnea-hypopnea index (hereinafter referred to as AHI) significantly decreased after wearing OA (9.44 ± 10.37) compared to that before wearing OA (24.02 ± 13.57) (p = 8.7 × 10-8). The results showed that for patients who continuously use OA, it is necessary to have sound sleep/sleep soundly;further, the patients experienced a decrease in snoring when wearing OA, with only a few side effects on the temporomandibular joints and teeth. In addition, the closer the distance from the plane of the lower margin of the mandible to the hyoid bone after wearing OA, the more likely it was for the AHI to decrease, which suggests that wearing OA contributes to the prediction of therapeutic effects.

Micromechanical interlocking structure at the filler/resin interface for dental composites: a review

Dental resin composites(DRCs)are popular materials for repairing caries or dental defect,requiring excellent properties to cope with the complex oral environment.Filler/resin interface interaction has a significant impact on the physicochemical/biological properties and service life of DRCs.