Creating an extracellular matrix-like three-dimension structure to enhance the corrosion resistance and biological responses of titanium implants.

Background/purpose: Titanium (Ti) is extensively used in dental and orthopedic implants due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, its smooth and biologically inert surface does not support the ingrowth of new bone, and Ti ions may have adverse biological effects. The purpose is to improve the corrosion resistance of titanium and create a 3D structured coating to enhance osseointegration through a very simple and fast surface treatment.

Trends of dental service utilization and expenditure in Taiwan from 2000 to 2020.

Background: /purposeSince 1995, Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) has offered a comprehensive dental coverage to over 99 % of the population. This study mainly analyzed the dental service utilization and expenditure trends by the gender, age, and service type and evaluated the resource allocation across different demographics from 2000 to 2020.

Materials And Methods: Nationwide NHI administrative data were used to assess the dental visit rates, average visits per user, and per capita expenditure by the gender, age, and 11 service categories for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

The virtual assessment in dental education: A narrative review.

The shift towards virtual assessment in dental education represents a significant advancement over traditional evaluation methods, offering new opportunities for assessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This review examines the use of virtual assessment tools within the context of dental education. A narrative literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase.

A nationwide study of the influence of training institutions in the postgraduate year training program for dentists on the future dental practice choices in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: The postgraduate year training program for dentists (PGYD) provides the comprehensive clinical training to bridge the gap between the academic education and the hands-on clinical practice. This study mainly explored the influence of training institutions on the future dental practice choices (in clinics or hospitals) after the completion of the PGYD program in Taiwan.

Materials And Methods: A nationwide, register-based cohort analysis was conducted on all 3,966 PGYD trainees from July 2010 to April 2023.

Developing competency-based medical education for dental education in Taiwan: A pilot study of tooth extraction entrustable professional activities.

Background/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the initial implementation of competency-based medical education (CBME) through entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in Taiwan dental education, focusing on tooth extraction EPAs across undergraduate year (UGY), postgraduate year (PGY), and oral and maxillofacial surgery-residency (OS-R) levels.

Materials And Methods: Using the Delphi method, an advisory team developed and validated three levels of trial EPAs, which were implemented through the Emyway platform. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate teachers' and students' experiences and satisfaction with Emyway and the EPAs.

Do national cancer control plans address care and research for children, adolescents, and young adults? A review of status, priorities, and recommendations across 41 European countries.

Paediatric cancers, although rare, are the leading cause of disease-related mortality in European children above one year. A key pillar of the European Health Union, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) puts a spotlight on childhood cancer. National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) have a key role but did not address childhood cancers sufficiently previously.

Electrically Active Biomaterials for Stimulation and Regeneration in Tissue Engineering.

In the human body, bioelectric cues are crucial for tissue stimulation and regeneration. Electrical stimulation (ES) significantly enhances the regeneration of nerves, bones, cardiovascular tissues, and wounds. However, the use of conventional devices with stimulating metal electrodes is invasive and requires external batteries.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced diagnosis of degenerative joint disease using temporomandibular joint panoramic radiography and joint noise data.

This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for the screening of degenerative joint disease (DJD) using temporomandibular joint (TMJ) panoramic radiography and joint noise data. A total of 2631 TMJ panoramic images were collected, resulting in a final dataset of 3908 images (2127 normal (N) and 1781 DJD (D)) after excluding indeterminate cases and errors. AI models using GoogleNet were evaluated with six different combinations of image data, clinician-detected crepitus, and patient-reported joint noise.

Preparation, Modification, Quantitation, and Dentin Biomodification Activity of Selectively Enriched Proanthocyanidins.

To date, quantitative analysis of proanthocyanidin (PAC) containing materials including plant extracts and fractions depends on colorimetric assays or phloroglucinolysis/thiolysis combined with UV-HPLC analysis. Such assays are of limited accuracy, particularly lack specificity, require extensive sample preparation and degradation, and need appropriate physical reference standards. To address this analytical challenge and toward our broader goal of developing new plant-sourced biomaterials that chemically and mechanically modulate the properties of dental tissue for clinical interventions, we have characterized 12 different PAC DESIGNER (Depletion and Enrichment of Select Ingredients Generating Normalized Extract Resources) materials.

Novel Foamed Magnesium Phosphate Antimicrobial Bone Cement for Bone Augmentation.

In dental implant surgery, infection is identified as the primary factor contributing to the failure of bone grafts. There is an urgent need to develop bone graft materials possessing antibacterial characteristics to facilitate bone regeneration. Magnesium phosphate bone cement (MPC) is highly desirable for bone regeneration due to its favorable biocompatibility, plasticity, and osteogenic capabilities.

The Impact of the Foveal Bulge on Visual Acuity in Resolved Diabetic Macular Edema and Retinal Vein Occlusions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of foveal bulge presence on visual acuity (VA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were conducted on 22 DME patients and 20 RVO patients. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was employed to analyze the association between VA and the presence of the foveal bulge, as well as factors such as sex, age, central foveal thickness, various line scans of the fovea, and the external limiting membrane (ELM).

Burden of diabetes in correctional facilities: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus presents significant public health challenges worldwide. While its prevalence and management in the general population have been extensively studied, comprehensive research on diabetes among incarcerated individuals is lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and -analysis to determine the prevalence of diabetes within the prison population.

Microbiome and Inflammatory Biomarkers Associated With Palatal Wound Healing.

Aim: The clinical outcomes of a variety of surgical procedures highly depend on tissue repair and show high variability among patients. There is a gap in the literature on how the host inflammatory response, the microbiome, and the interplay between them can influence oral mucosa healing. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the microbiome and biomarkers profiles in patients who had desired versus undesired wound healing in the palatal mucosa.

Association Between Chewing Capacity and Mortality Risk: The Role of Diet and Ageing.

Aim: Masticatory dysfunction due to tooth loss is a potentially modifiable risk for mortality, but the pathway behind that remains to be investigated. This prospective study aimed to examine the role of diet and ageing in the associations between chewing capacity and long-term mortality.

Methods: Data were obtained from participants (aged ≥ 20) in the National Health Nutritional and Health Survey (NHANES 1999-2010, n = 22,900).

Assessment of various etiological factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma in non-habit patients- a cross sectional case control study.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent oral cancers in the world. The major etiological factors are considered to be tobacco and alcohol. However, the etiological factors for non-habit associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (NHOSCC) remains an enigma.

Condylar Changes in Adult Patients with Unilateral Posterior Crossbite Following Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the alterations in condylar positioning in adult skeletal Class I patients with unilateral posterior crossbite after microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study involving 30 participants (10 males, 20 females) average age 22.9 ± 4.

Crosslinked Versus Non-Crosslinked Resorbable Collagen Membranes for Periodontal Regeneration: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the results of combination therapy involving bone grafting and two different resorbable collagen membranes in 1-, 2- and 3-wall infrabony defects.

Methods: A total of 174 patients with infrabony defects (≥ 7 mm periodontal probing depth) were randomized to receive deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) with either a native porcine non-crosslinked collagen membrane (N-CM, control, n = 87) or a novel porcine crosslinked collagen membrane (C-CM, test, n = 87). Clinical parameters, including periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (GR), were recorded at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Comparison of mechanical properties and shaping performance of ProGlider and ProTaper ultimate slider.

Background: This study aims to compare design, phase transformation behavior, and torsional resistance of the ProGlider (PG) and ProTaper ultimate slider (PUS) and to compare the performance of two files in the glide-path preparation of a double-curved artificial canal.

Methods: Scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the samples. A torsional resistance test was performed to obtain ultimate strength and distortion angle.

Efficacy of non -thermal pressure plasma versus other modalities for disinfection of primary root canals.

Background: Endodontic treatment aims in the preservation of extremely carious primary teeth. For root canal therapy to be successful, root canals must be properly prepared and effectively irrigated .Therefore, it is necessary to select the proper root canal disinfection method to preserve the primary tooth.

Influence of heat-assisted vat photopolymerization on the physical and mechanical characteristics of dental 3D printing resins.

The effects of heat-assisted vat photopolymerization (HVPP) on the physical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed dental resins, including the morphometric stability of 3D-printed crowns, were investigated. A resin tank was designed to maintain the resin at 30, 40, and 50 ℃ during the 3D printing process. Test specimens were fabricated using a commercial dental resin, with untreated resin serving as the control group.

Evaluation of a context-aware chatbot using retrieval-augmented generation for answering clinical questions on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

The potential of large language models (LLMs) in medical applications is significant, and Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) can address the weaknesses of these models in terms of data transparency and scientific accuracy by incorporating current scientific knowledge into responses. In this study, RAG and GPT-4 by OpenAI were applied to develop GuideGPT, a context aware chatbot integrated with a knowledge database from 449 scientific publications designed to provide answers on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A comparison was made with a generic LLM ("PureGPT") across 30 MRONJ-related questions.

Assessing Caries Removal Efficacy and Pain Perception in Children, Using Smart Bur Versus Carbide Bur: A Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND Dental caries removal is conventionally done using carbide burs, but non-metallic polymer burs have recently been developed with the aim of being more selective and causing less pain. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of caries removal, time taken, and patient compliance during restorations using smart bur and carbide burs in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A clinical study was designed and conducted at the Pedodontics Outpatient Department, with a focus on 40 children between 6 and 12 years old, who were split into 2 groups consisting of 20 children each: group 1, using a carbide conventional rotary bur, and group 2, using a smart bur.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and the Risk of Chronic Periodontitis: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Chronic periodontitis (CP) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have emerged as interconnected conditions with shared mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. However, the risk of CP in the newly classified subgroups of steatotic liver disease (SLD), including MASLD and metabolic alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), has not been extensively studied. This study investigated the association between SLD subtypes and the incidence of CP in a nationwide cohort.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Cutaneous Adverse Events: Mechanisms of Occurrence.

Immunotherapy, particularly that based on blocking checkpoint proteins in many tumors, including melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), triple-negative breast (TNB cancer), renal cancer, and gastrointestinal and endometrial neoplasms, is a therapeutic alternative to chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies have the potential to target different pathways leading to the destruction of cancer cells. Although ICIs are an effective treatment strategy for patients with highly immune-infiltrated cancers, the development of different adverse effects including cutaneous adverse effects during and after the treatment with ICIs is common.

Exploring Quantitative MRI Biomarkers of Head and Neck Post-Radiation Lymphedema and Fibrosis: Post Hoc Analysis of a Prospective Trial.

Background: Quantifying head and neck lymphedema and fibrosis (HN-LEF) is crucial in the investigation and management of treatment sequelae in head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods: The T1- and T2-weighted MRI signal intensity (SI) was examined in relation to HN-LEF categories per physical/tactile examination (No-LEF, A-B = edema, C = edema + fibrosis, D = fibrosis), and MRI structural volumes were examined in relation to a novel 10-point HN-LEF score in the intraoral and submental regions.

Results: We identified differences in ranks among HN-LEF categories in relation to the MRI SI (A-B and C are higher than D and No-LEF for T2 SI, and A-B is the highest for T1).