Genetic Variants in METTL16 Affect the Risk of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts.

Objective: N6-methyladenosine (mA) is the most prevalent modification of RNA in eukaryotes which is associated with many cellular processes and diseases. Here, our objective is to explore whether genetic variants in mA modification genes are associated with the risk of non-syndrome orofacial clefts (NSOCs).

Methods: The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was performed to calculate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mA modification genes and NSOCs risk in 944 case-parent trios.

Integrative analysis of FADS3 as a marker for prognosis and immunity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid formation requires fatty acid desaturase (FADS), which is strongly linked to cancer progression. Nevertheless, it's unclear how FADS3 functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: HNSCC cases were retrieved from TCGA and GEO databases, and FADS members with transcriptionally differential expression were identified.

Investigation of the furcation morphology of permanent mandibular first molars by using micro-computed tomography.

Background: To investigate the anatomic features of the root furcation of permanent mandibular first molars.

Methods: A total of 50 extracted mandibular first molars (25 two-rooted and 25 three-rooted) were collected and scanned using micro-computed tomography. The digital models of teeth and root canal systems were reconstructed three-dimensionally.

Osteogenic effect of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microcapsules with different molecular weights encapsulating bone morphogenetic protein 2.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) encapsula-ted in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microcapsules with different molecular weights on the osteogenic ability of osteoblasts.

Methods: PLGA microcapsules with different molecular weights (12 000, 30 000) encapsulating BMP-2, were prepared using a dual-channel microinjection pump. The morphology and structure of the microcapsules were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Understanding the hierarchical structure of collagen fibers of the human periodontal ligament: Implications for biomechanical characteristics.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a unique fibrous connective tissue that regulates periodontal homeostasis mechanisms. Its biomechanical properties primarily reside in the hierarchical and non-uniform collagenous network. This study aimed to investigate the region-specific structure and composition of collagen fibers in the PDL at various scales and to explore their relationship with mechanical properties in a split-mouth design.

SIRT6 alleviates senescence induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis in human gingival fibroblasts.

Objective: Bidirectional influences between senescence and inflammation are newly discovered. This study aimed to clarify the roles and mechanism of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in exacerbating senescence in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

Bmi-1 Epigenetically Orchestrates Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Delay Bone Aging.

With the increase in the aging population, senile osteoporosis (SOP) has become a major global public health concern. Here, it is found that Prx1 and Bmi-1 co-localized in trabecular bone, bone marrow cavity, endosteum, and periosteum. Prx1-driven Bmi-1 knockout in bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) reduced bone mass and increased bone marrow adiposity by inhibiting osteoblastic bone formation, promoting osteoclastic bone resorption, downregulating the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and upregulating the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Expert consensus on the diagnosis and therapy of endo-periodontal lesions.

Endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs) involve both the periodontium and pulp tissue and have complicated etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms, including unique anatomical and microbiological characteristics and multiple contributing factors. This etiological complexity leads to difficulties in determining patient prognosis, posing great challenges in clinical practice. Furthermore, EPL-affected teeth require multidisciplinary therapy, including periodontal therapy, endodontic therapy and others, but there is still much debate about the appropriate timing of periodontal therapy and root canal therapy.

Super-Enhancer Driven LIF/LIFR-STAT3-SOX2 Regulatory Feedback Loop Promotes Cancer Stemness in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Super-enhancers (SEs) have been recognized as key epigenetic regulators underlying cancer stemness and malignant traits by aberrant transcriptional control and promising therapeutic targets against human cancers. However, the SE landscape and their roles during head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development especially in cancer stem cells (CSCs) maintenance remain underexplored yet. Here, we identify leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-SE as a representative oncogenic SE to activate LIF transcription in HNSCC.

Porous Gelatin Methacrylate Gel Engineered by Freeze-Ultraviolet Promotes Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis.

Alveolar bone defect reconstruction is a common challenge in stomatology. To address this, a thermosensitive/photosensitive gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) gel was developed based on various air solubilities and light-curing technologies. The gel was synthesized by using a freeze-ultraviolet (FUV) method to form a porous and quickly (within 15 min) solidifying modified network structure.

A comparison of different cleaning approaches for blood contamination after curing universal adhesives on the dentine surface.

Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of various cleaning approaches, including spray rinsing, repreparing with diamond burs, and using phosphoric acid or sodium hypochlorite alone or with polyphenols (resveratrol or myricetin), in removing blood contamination from the dentine after adhesive light-curing.

Methods: The contact angles of the treated surfaces were measured and scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy observation was performed. The bond strength and nanoleakage were assessed, and in situ zymography was performed before and after aging.

DAZAP1 Phase Separation Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism to Facilitate Invasion and Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Tumor invasion and metastasis are the underlying causes of high mortality rate due to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Energy metabolism reprogramming has been identified as a crucial process mediating tumor metastasis, thus indicating an urgent need for an in-depth investigation of the specific mechanisms of tumor energy metabolism. Here, we identified an RNA-binding protein, DAZ-associated protein 1 (DAZAP1), as a tumor-promoting factor with an important role in OSCC progression.

Infection-Sensitive SPION/PLGA Scaffolds Promote Periodontal Regeneration via Antibacterial Activity and Macrophage-Phenotype Modulation.

Inflammation caused by a bacterial infection and the subsequent dysregulation of the host immune-inflammatory response are detrimental to periodontal regeneration. Herein, we present an infection-sensitive scaffold prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of Feraheme-like superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the surface of a three-dimensional-printed polylactic--glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold. The SPION/PLGA scaffold is magnetic, hydrophilic, and bacterial-adhesion resistant.

Janus sponge/electrospun fibre composite combined with EGF/bFGF/CHX promotes reconstruction in oral tissue regeneration.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is currently the most widely used bone augmentation technique in oral clinics. However, infection and soft tissue management remain the greatest challenge. In this study, a Janus sponge/electrospun fibre membrane containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were prepared to optimize its application as a barrier membrane for GBR.

Stress induced on permanent mandible first molar and space maintainer under normal masticatory forces: a finite element study.

Background: The band and loop space maintainer is used to maintain the missing space of deciduous molars which are lost early. When the second deciduous molar is lost prematurely, the stress on the first permanent molar during different degrees of development may vary when it is the abutment. The design and use of the space maintainer may also lead to damage of the loop.

Comparison of selective laser melting and stereolithography etching templates for guided endodontics.

Background: With the increasing application of guided endodontics to treat complex root canal treatment, the entire process of root canal treatment has become more precise, reducing damage to tooth structure and improving success rates. However, due to the limitations of the operating space, the use of guided endodontic templates in posterior root canal treatment is less common. This study aims to compare the accuracy and reliability of selective laser melting (SLM) and traditional stereolithography etching (SLA) guided endodontic templates for posterior root canals, providing better treatment strategies for posterior root canal treatment.

Causal effects of autoimmune diseases on temporomandibular disorders and the mediating pathways: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The role of autoimmune diseases (ADs) in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) has been emphasized in observational studies. However, whether the causation exists is unclear, and controversy remains about which specific disorder is destructive in TMDs. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to estimate the causal effect of common ADs on TMDs.

RhoA/ROCK-TAZ Axis regulates bone formation within calvarial trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis.

Background: Craniofacial skeletal deformities can be addressed by applying tensile force to sutures to prompt sutural bone formation. The intricate process of mechanical modulation in craniofacial sutures involves complex biomechanical signal transduction. The small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) functions as a key mechanotransduction protein, orchestrating the dynamic assembly of the cytoskeleton by activating the Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK).

Causal effects of denture wearing on epigenetic age acceleration and the mediating pathways: a mendelian randomization study.

Background: The epigenetic-age acceleration (EAA) represents the difference between chronological age and epigenetic age, reflecting accelerated biological aging. Observational studies suggested that oral disorders may impact DNA methylation patterns and aging, but their causal relationship remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate potential causal associations between dental traits and EAA, as well as to identify possible mediators.

An artificial intelligence grading system of apical periodontitis in cone-beam computed tomography data.

Objectives: In order to assist junior doctors in better diagnosing apical periodontitis (AP), an artificial intelligence AP grading system was developed based on deep learning (DL) and its reliability and accuracy were evaluated.

Methods: One hundred and twenty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were selected to construct a classification dataset with four categories, which were divided by CBCT periapical index (CBCTPAI), including normal periapical tissue, CBCTPAI 1-2, CBCTPAI 3-5, and young permanent teeth. Three classic algorithms (ResNet50/101/152) as well as one self-invented algorithm (PAINet) were compared with each other.

Integrative Multiomics Analyses Identify Molecular Subtypes of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Distinct Therapeutic Vulnerabilities.

Substantial heterogeneity in molecular features, patient prognoses, and therapeutic responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) highlights the urgent need to develop molecular classifications that reliably and accurately reflect tumor behavior and inform personalized therapy. Here, we leveraged the similarity network fusion bioinformatics approach to jointly analyze multiomics datasets spanning copy number variations, somatic mutations, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic profiling and derived a prognostic classification system for HNSCC. The integrative model consistently identified three subgroups (IMC1-3) with specific genomic features, biological characteristics, and clinical outcomes across multiple independent cohorts.