The Health Effects of 72 Hours of Simulated Wind Turbine Infrasound: A Double-Blind Randomized Crossover Study in Noise-Sensitive, Healthy Adults.

Background: Large electricity-generating wind turbines emit both audible sound and inaudible infrasound at very low frequencies that are outside of the normal human range of hearing. Sufferers of wind turbine syndrome (WTS) have attributed their ill-health and particularly their sleep disturbance to the signature pattern of infrasound. Critics have argued that these symptoms are psychological in origin and are attributable to nocebo effects.

Developing pediatric three-dimensional upper airway normative values using fixed and interactive thresholds.

Objective: To develop and compare pediatric upper airway three-dimensional normative values using the two most commonly used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) software: Invivo5 (fixed threshold) and Dolphin 3D (interactive threshold).

Study Design: Out of 3738 CBCT scans, scans of 81 pediatric patients were utilized after applying strict exclusion criteria. The sample was grouped into two age groups (7-11 and 12-17 years).

Changes in sleep and airway variables in patients with obstructive sleep apnea after mandibular advancement splint treatment.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an extensive public health problem that imposes considerable morbidity. Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy is a well tolerated treatment, but success rates are difficult to predict. Our objective was to investigate the relationship of oropharyngeal airway dimensions, sleep characteristics, patient biometrics, and treatment response within an OSA patient sample.

Computerized measurement of the location and value of the minimum sagittal linear dimension of the upper airway on reconstructed lateral cephalograms compared with 3-dimensional values.

Introduction: Identifying the location and value of the smallest airway dimension can be useful in screening and planning treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Our objectives in this study were to (1) objectively identify the vertical location and value of the minimum sagittal linear dimension (MSLD) on 2-dimensional reconstructed lateral cephalograms (RLCs), (2) compare the location and value of the MSLD on RLCs with the vertical location and sagittal dimension of the minimum cross-sectional area (MCSA), and (3) investigate the association between the MSLD on RLCs and both the MCSA and the airway volume.

Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 91 patients, in 3 age groups (<20, 20-40, and >40 years), were used to perform 3-dimensional assessments of the upper airway and reconstruct lateral cephalograms.

Extracorporeal shockwave treatment impedes tooth movement in rats.

Background: Accelerated tooth movement has been a topic of interest for orthodontic research recently. Surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment has been shown to be an effective approach to accelerate tooth movement; however, it remains invasive, requires additional surgery, and may increase post-operative complications. In this study, we evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT), a non-invasive approach to regenerate alveolar bone, on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

Biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Objectives: We explored relationships between biochemical markers and cardiac responses of children with and without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during exercise. We hypothesised that serum markers of sympathetic nervous system activity and low-grade inflammation would correlate with cardiac responses to exercise in children with or without OSA.

Methodology: The study included 40 of 71 children with previously characterised responses to cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Secretory microRNA-29 expression in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement.

Secretory microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used increasingly as biomarkers for cancers, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases. They are reported as being freely circulated or encapsulated in microvesicles such as exosomes. This study was performed to elucidate the presence of miRNAs with exosomes in human gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and the expression profile of miRNA-29 during orthodontic tooth movement.

Three-dimensional assessment of soft tissue changes associated with bone-anchored maxillary protraction protocols.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the 3-dimensional soft tissue changes in growing Class III patients with maxillary deficiency associated with 2 bone-anchored maxillary protraction protocols in relation to an untreated control group of Class III patients.

Methods: Growing skeletal Class III patients between the ages of 10 and 14 years participated in this study. In group 1 (n = 10), skeletally anchored facemasks were used with miniplates placed at the zygomatic buttress.

Effects of unilateral premolar extraction treatment on the dental arch forms of Class II subdivision malocclusions.

Introduction: A retrospective study evaluating posttreatment symmetry in dental arch form and midlines was carried out in Class II subdivision patients treated with unilateral and bilateral maxillary premolar extractions.

Methods: Using Geomagic (version 14; Geomagic, Research Triangle Park, NC) and MATLAB (version 8.4; MathWorks, Natick, Mass) software, best-fit curves expressed as quartic polynomials were generated for 13 Class II subdivisions treated with unilateral extractions and 20 treated with bilateral maxillary premolar extractions.

Dentoalveolar and arch dimension changes in patients treated with miniplate-anchored maxillary protraction.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate dentoalveolar and arch dimension changes in 2 miniplate-anchored maxillary protraction protocols in relation to an untreated control group using 3-dimensional digital models.

Methods: Thirty growing Class III subjects with maxillary deficiency in the late mixed or early permanent dentition phase were randomly divided into 3 groups. In group 1 (n = 10), patients were treated with skeletally anchored facemasks anchored with miniplates placed at the zygomatic buttress.

Racial and sex differences in timing of the cervical vertebrae maturation stages.

Introduction: Our objective was to investigate skeletal maturation of female and male subjects from different racial groups by comparing the cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stages.

Methods: The study included 3 racial groups: white, African American, and Hispanic subjects. Each group was subdivided into female and male.

Comparative evaluation of 2 skeletally anchored maxillary protraction protocols.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of 2 protocols of bone-anchored maxillary protraction with an untreated control group.

Methods: Thirty growing Class III subjects with maxillary deficiency in the late mixed or early permanent dentition were included in the study. In group 1 (n = 10), skeletally anchored facemasks were used with miniplates placed at the zygomatic buttress.

Randomized Trial of Plaque-Identifying Toothpaste: Decreasing Plaque and Inflammation.

Background: Randomized data are sparse about whether a plaque-identifying toothpaste reduces dental plaque and nonexistent for inflammation. Inflammation is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is accurately measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a sensitive marker for cardiovascular disease. The hypotheses that Plaque HD (TJA Health LLC, Joliet, Ill), a plaque-identifying toothpaste, produces statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and hs-CRP were tested in this randomized trial.

Bonding of Metal Orthodontic Attachments to Sandblasted Porcelain and Zirconia Surfaces.

This study evaluates tensile bond strength (TBS) of metal orthodontic attachments to sandblasted feldspathic porcelain and zirconia with various bonding protocols. Thirty-six (36) feldspathic and 36 zirconia disc samples were prepared, glazed, embedded in acrylic blocks and sandblasted, and divided into three groups according to one or more of the following treatments: hydrofluoric acid 4% (HF), Porcelain Conditioner silane primer, Reliance Assure® primer, Reliance Assure plus® primer, and Z Prime™ plus zirconia primer. A round traction hook was bonded to each sample.

Objective adherence to positive airway pressure therapy in an Australian paediatric cohort.

Purpose: This study aimed to objectively measure adherence (compliance) and effectiveness of CPAP and BiLevel pressure support in an Australian paediatric population and determine factors associated with adherence outcomes.

Methods: Data was collected as part of routine clinical care from 2011 to 2013. Adherence was recorded by downloads from the PAP device.

Demineralization of resin-sealed enamel by soft drinks in a clinically relevant pH cycling model.

Purpose: To compare the in vitro protective effect of orthodontic sealants on the enamel demineralization under a soft drink-induced erosive challenge.

Methods: The facial surfaces of bovine incisors were sectioned into 5 mm x 4 mm x 4 mm enamel blocks. Specimens were randomly assigned to three surface protection measures: control (exposed enamel), coating with Transbond XT (unfilled resin primer), or coating with Opal Seal (filled and fluoride releasing primer).

Comparison of the transformation temperatures of heat-activated Nickel-Titanium orthodontic archwires by two different techniques.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of the Bend and Free Recovery (BFR) method as a standard test method to determine the transformation temperatures of heat-activated Ni-Ti orthodontic archwires. This was done by determining the transformation temperatures of two brands of heat-activated Ni-Ti orthodontic archwires using the both the BFR method and the standard method of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The values obtained from the two methods were compared with each other and to the manufacturer-listed values.

Secular trends in the timing of skeletal maturation as assessed by the cervical vertebrae maturation method.

Objective: To investigate the presence of secular trends in skeletal maturation of girls and boys as assessed by the use of cervical vertebrae bones.

Materials And Methods: The study compared two main groups: the first included data collected from the Denver growth study (1930s to 1960s) and the second included data collected from recent pretreatment records (1980s to 2010s) of patients from the orthodontic clinic of a North American University. The records from the two groups were all for Caucasian subjects.

The ameloblastin extracellular matrix molecule enhances bone fracture resistance and promotes rapid bone fracture healing.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support, cell migration anchorage, cell differentiation cues, and fine-tuned cell proliferation signals during all stages of bone fracture healing, including cartilaginous callus formation, callus remodeling, and bony bridging of the fracture gap. In the present study we have defined the role of the extracellular matrix protein ameloblastin (AMBN) in fracture resistance and fracture healing of mouse long bones. To this end, long bones from WT and AMBN(Δ5-6) truncation model mice were subjected to biomechanical analysis, fracture healing assays, and stem cell colony formation comparisons.

3D evaluation of palatal rugae for human identification using digital study models.

Background: While there is literature suggesting that the palatal rugae could be used for human identification, most of these studies use two-dimensional (2D) approach.

Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate palatal ruga patterns using three-dimensional (3D) digital models; compare the most clinically relevant digital model conversion techniques for identification of the palatal rugae; develop a protocol for overlay registration; determine changes in palatal ruga individual patterns through time; and investigate the efficiency and accuracy of 3D matching processes between different individuals' patterns.

Material And Methods: Five cross sections in the anteroposterior dimension and four cross sections in the transverse dimension were computed which generated 18 2D variables.

Ameloblastin, an Extracellular Matrix Protein, Affects Long Bone Growth and Mineralization.

Matrix molecules such as the enamel-related calcium-binding phosphoprotein ameloblastin (AMBN) are expressed in multiple tissues, including teeth, bones, and cartilage. Here we have asked whether AMBN is of functional importance for timely long bone development and, if so, how it exerts its function related to osteogenesis. Adolescent AMBN-deficient mice (AMBN(Δ5-6) ) suffered from a 33% to 38% reduction in femur length and an 8.

Occlusal Characteristics of Individuals with Growth Hormone Deficiency, Idiopathic Short Stature, and Russell-Silver Syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the occlusal characteristics of individuals with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), idiopathic short stature (ISS), and Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS), and compare them to the means of a normal population.

Methods: Data about the stage of dentition, diastema, maxillary transverse deficiency, overjet, overbite, molar classification, and maxillary and mandibular crowding were obtained from orthodontic screening notes and standardized clinical exams of children with growth disorders seen at screening events. The prevalence of these occlusal characteristics was calculated and compared to the pooled mean of a normal population as determined by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey studies.

The Relationship between Caries and Malocclusion in Chinese Migrant Workers' Children in Shanghai.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between caries and malocclusion in the early and late mixed dentition in a population of children of Chinese migrant workers in Shanghai.

Methods: Dental charts were obtained for 646 children in the mixed dentition, aged between 6 and 13 years old. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and interproximal tooth structure lost due to caries (ITSLC) were evaluated.

Nonsurgical approach to Class I open-bite malocclusion with extrusion mechanics: a 3-year retention case report.

Anterior open bite is one of the most challenging malocclusions for orthodontic treatment. The high incidence of relapse is a major concern. Therefore, accurate initial examination, diagnosis, treatment plan, and consideration of habitual risk factors are crucial for a successful outcome without unwanted sequelae.

Cyclic stretch and compression forces alter microRNA-29 expression of human periodontal ligament cells.

MicroRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the development and remodeling of tissues through the regulation of large cohorts of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the response of miR-29 family expression to loading forces and their effects on ECM gene expression in periodontal ligament cells, the key effector cell population during orthodontic tooth movement. In a comparison between miRs from human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and alveolar bone cells (ABCs) from healthy human subjects, the ABC cohort of miRs was substantially greater than the corresponding PDLC cohort.