Objective To investigate the effect of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) lipoteichoic acid (LTA) on the expression of the macrophage immune checkpoint-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) and explore the possible regulatory mechanisms. Methods In vitro model was established by stimulating mouse monocyte macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) with different concentrations of E. faecalis LTA. PD-L1 expression and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation level were detected using flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and cellular immunofluorescence. Macrophages were pretreated with the NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor BAY 11-7082, then the expression of PD-L1 and p65 phosphorylation level were detected by the above methods. Results LTA induced PD-L1 expression in RAW264.7 cells, and p65 phosphorylation level increased (P<0.05). Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway could reduce p65 phosphorylation level, simultaneously reducing the expression of PD-L1 on LTA-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05). Conclusion E. faecalis LTA can promote the PD-L1 expression of macrophages and this process is regulated by the NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides further insights into the occurrence and treatment of chronic periapical inflammation.

Objective To explore the impact of knocking down Sec31A on the malignant phenotype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) and its possible mechanisms. Methods Transcriptome sequencing data of HNSCC tissues and adjacent tissues were obtained from the TCGA database, and the expression levels of Sec31A were compared. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze the expression of Sec31A in HNSCC tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the relationship between Sec31A and the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Small interfering plasmids si-Sec31A and si-NC were transfected into HNSCC cell lines HN6 and HN4, and the impact of knocking down Sec31A on the biological behavior of HNSCC cells was detected through CCK-8 experiments, plate cloning experiments, scratch healing experiments, and Transwell experiments. Changes in the expression levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway related proteins in cells were detected after knocking down Sec31A with HN6 and HN4 through Western Blot(WB)experiments. Stable transfected cell lines of HN6 siSec31A and HN6 siNC were constructed and inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice to further verify the tumorigenic effect of Sec31A in vivo. Results TCGA data showed that Sec31A was higher in HNSCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues(P<0.01), and high expression of Sec31A was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in patients(P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that Sec31A was expressed stronger in HNSCC tissues than in normal tissues. In HN6 and HN4 cells, knocking down Sec31A resulted in significantly weaker proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities compared to the control group. Through WB experiments, it was found that transfection of si-Sec31A with HN6 and HN4 significantly reduced the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins. After knocking down Sec31A with HN6, the transplanted tumor volume in nude mice was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Conclusion Knocking down Sec31A can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of HNSCC cells, possibly through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Objective This study prepared gelatin three-dimensional porous microspheres and investigated the feasibility of gelatin three-dimensional porous microspheres loaded with quercetin (G-quercetin) as bone tissue scaffold material. Methods Porous gelatin microspheres were prepared by emulsification and loaded with quercetin by lyophilization. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe morphology of the microspheres. The cytotoxicity of G-quercetin microspheres and their effects on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) were detected by immunofluorescence staining, live/dead cell staining and CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the transcriptional levels of osteoblast-related cytokines such as Runx-2, ALP, OPN and OCN. Results The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the prepared three-dimensional microporous material loaded with quercetin gelatin had a porous structure. Cell adhesion showed that the cells could spread well on the surface of the microspheres. Compared with the control group, the results of live/dead cell staining and CCK-8 detection showed that the microspheres had no significant cytotoxicity (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, G-quercetin microspheres showed an increase in ALP expression and mineralization in vitro. PCR results also showed a significant increase in Runx-2, ALP, OCN, OPN (P<0.05). Conclusion The G-quercetin porous microspheres prepared in this experiment have good biocompatibility and can promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 in vitro. It is expected to be used as a new scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

Objective To investigate the expression and role of neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Methods Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of NETs in OSCC. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with different NETs expression levels were analyzed. Density gradient centrifugation was used to isolate neutrophils from human peripheral blood. NETs were induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA) and co-cultured with OSCC cells. CCK-8 assay was used to detect changes in OSCC cell proliferation ability. OSCC cell migration ability was detected by Transwell cell migration assay and cell scratch assay. Western blotting(WB) assay was used to detect the effect of NETs on the index of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT). Results NETs’ expression in OSCC was higher than that in normal tissues(P<0.001). The prognosis of patients with high NETs expression was worse than that of patients with low NETs expression(P<0.05). The expression level of NETs was correlated with the clinical grade, invasion and recurrence degree of OSCC patients(P<0.05). NETs promoted the proliferation and migration of Cal27 and HN6 cells(P<0.05), and inhibited the protein expression level of epithelial marker and promoted the protein expression level of mesenchymal markers(P<0.05), which could be reversed by the NETs inhibitor DNaseⅠ. Conclusion NETs are expressed at high levels in OSCC. NETs can promote the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and can affect the prognosis of OSCC patients.

Objective To explore the influence of different bone quality around the implant on the implantation accuracy, the computer-aided design of implant guide plate was used for patients with poor bone quality to evaluate its accuracy. Methods Retrospective analysis of relevant clinical data from 29 single-tooth implant patients with relatively poor bone quality meeting inclusion criteria was conducted. Using 3Shape Implant Studio software, implant plans were designed and fully guided digital templates were fabricated before surgery. Implantation was guided by the templates throughout, with torque and ISQ values recorded to evaluate the initial stability of the implant. Postoperative implant positions were reconstructed using CBCT images, and the three-dimensional deviation of implant placement was evaluated in conjunction with the preoperative design. Bone quality around the implants was also recorded and analyzed before and after surgery. Results In this study, digital guide plates were used in patients with poor bone quality, and the initial stability of implants was ≥ 20 N·cm except for three cases. In cases of poor bone quality, the accuracy of the fully guided digital templates was as follows: cervix deviation (0.94±0.59)mm, apex deviation (1.40±0.81)mm and angle deviation 4.10°±2.99°. Bone quality had a greater impact on angle deviation (P<0.05). The higher the proportion of D3 bone was around the implant body 1/3, the smaller the deviation of neck, apex and angle was, while the higher the proportion of D5 bone, the greater the deviation of implantation. Conclusion For patients with poor bone quality, under the premise of restoration-oriented, the proportion of D3 bone around the implant can be increased by computer-aided design, and the initial stability of the implant can be improved by guiding the implantation with digital guide plate. Attention should be paid to the influence of bone on the angle deviation of implant during the application of guide plate.

Objective To investigate the morphological changes in the upper airway after bimaxillary surgery in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion and the relationship between jaw movement and airway changes using CBCT. Methods This study involved 44 individuals(21 males and 23 females)receiving Class Ⅲ bimaxillary surgery. Preoperative and 3-6-month postoperative CBCT data were examined using Dophin3D 11.95 software. The alterations before and after upper airway surgery were analysed using paired t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. The association between airway alterations and jaw movement was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results Patients who underwent Class Ⅲ bimaxillary surgery had significantly reduced upper airway volume, sagittal cross-sectional area, and minimum cross-sectional area(P<0.01). A correlation exists between oropharyngeal volume change and point B change(P<0.05). When B point recession was >7 mm, the decrease in upper airway volume increased significantly(P<0.01), as did the risk of minimum cross-sectional area of the patient’s airway(P<0.01). Conclusion Class Ⅲ bimaxillary surgery reduces upper airway capacity. Postoperative reduction in upper airway capacity coincides with mandibular recession. Mandibular recession(>7 mm)may reduce postoperative upper airway capacity and increase the risk of OSAHS. Patients at risk of upper airway stenosis should have their protocol modified to reduce airway risk.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of using Cariostat test for caries risk assessment in adult outpatients and provide a reference basis for caries prevention and treatment in adult outpatients of different ages. Methods Fifty-two adult patients of different ages (18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and ≥55 years old) attending outpatient clinics of The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were tested for caries activity using the Cariostat test. Oral examinations were conducted according to the criteria of the 5th edition of the Basic Methods of Oral Health Surveys of the World Health Organization, and on-site questionnaire surveys were performed for the Cariogram assessment system. Oral examinations included assessments of dental arch conditions and caries status, while questionnaire surveys covered dietary habits, oral health care habits, etc. The caries status of adult outpatients of different age groups was analyzed, and caries activity was assessed using the Cariostat test. The caries risk levels were determined, and the consistency between the Cariostat test and the Cariogram assessment system was evaluated. Results It was found that there was a difference in mean decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) between the low-risk group of adult outpatients with different caries risk levels classed by the Cariostat test and the intermediate and high-risk groups (P<0.05). There was a difference in mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and mean DMFS between the low-risk group of adult outpatients with different caries risk levels classed by Cariogram and the intermediate and high-risk groups (P<0.05). The evaluation results of caries risk levels in adult outpatients classed by the Cariostat test and the Cariogram assessment system showed a Kappa value of 0.467 (P<0.05) in the ≥55 years old group, indicating moderate consistency. Conclusion The Cariostat test is useful in understanding the caries activity of adult outpatients and is particularly accurate and effective in patients at the age of 55 or older.

Objective To investigate the key genes associated with ferroptosis in peri-implantitis and explore the potential mechanisms regulating peri-implantitis. Methods Several datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differential expressed genes were screened, and GO and KEGG analyses were performed. A PPI network was constructed using the STRING website. Key genes were validated using a test set, and the diagnostic value of key genes was determined. The content and proportion of 22 immune cells in peri-implantitis tissues were obtained through immune infiltration analysis. Key genes were validated by qRT-PCR and Western Blot(WB). Results There were 1 138 differential genes between peri-implantitis tissues and normal gingival tissues, of which 29 were related to ferroptosis. The gene expression in peri-implantitis tissues mainly involved processes such as immune response activation. Five key genes in the ferroptosis-related differential genes, namely SOX2, GJA1, IL1B, GPX2 and CHAC1, were differentially expressed in peri-implantitis tissues and had high diagnostic value. Immune infiltration analysis showed significant changes in immune cells such as memory B cells and plasma cells in peri-implantitis tissues. qRT-PCR and WB confirmed significant differential expression of mRNA and the protein transcribed by key genes. Conclusion Differential genes between peri-implantitis and ferroptosis are screened using bioinformatics analysis and biological validation, providing new insights into the study on peri-implantitis.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of combining problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and clinical pathway (CP) in standardized training of periodontology residents. Methods A total of 48 residents who were transferred to the Department of Periodontology at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January to October 2023 were randomly assigned to either the traditional teaching group or the PBL, TBL, and CP combined teaching group, with 24 participants in each group. The traditional teaching group followed conventional teaching methods, while the PBL, TBL, and CP combined teaching group utilized a combination of these three methods. Prior to completing their rotation, both groups underwent professional assessments as well as surveys on satisfaction with standardized training and self-evaluation. Results The professional examination scores ofcombined teaching group were significantly higher than those of the traditional teaching method group (P<0.05). Both groups expressed satisfaction with standardized training and demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing and treating periodontitis through instruction; no statistically significant difference was observed between them (P>0.05). However, compared to the traditional teaching group, students in the PBL, TBL, and CP combined teaching group showed significant improvements in doctor-patient communication skills, active information retrieval abilities, learning interest levels, team discussions, and clinical logical thinking abilities (P<0.05). Conclusion Implementing a combination of PBL, TBL, and CP during standardized training of periodontology residents can enhance students’ professional examination scores and self-evaluation results, which promotes educational reform development by providing an objective basis.

Orthodontic treatment mainly improves oral function and achieves treatment goals by applying mechanical force to the jawbone and teeth. However, oral pain is the most common symptom experienced by patients during the diagnosis and treatment process. It is usually caused by sustained application of orthodontic mechanical force, but its mechanism is not fully understood, posing a significant clinical challenge. In recent years, a protein called TACAN has been discovered to play a crucial regulatory role in the occurrence and development of pain, offering a potential therapeutic target for addressing mechanical pain in the future. Since research on TACAN is still unclear, its specific mechanism requires further elucidation and verification. This article systematically reviews the research progress of TACAN’s involvement in the modulation of mechanical pain, summarizes the specific functions of TACAN, and provides new perspectives for further research on TACAN.

This review aims to explore research progress ofthe role and application of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolites in oral diseases. We first briefly review the metabolic pathways and key enzymes of PUFAs, as well as their biological functions. Then, we discuss in detail the role of PUFA metabolites in various oral diseases, including oral mucosal diseases, periodontal diseases, dental and pulp diseases, oral cancer, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Studies have shown that PUFA metabolites play an important role in regulating inflammation, immune responses, and tissue repair, and are closely involved in the development and progression of oral diseases. Moreover, PUFA metabolites have potential application value in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases. Therefore, research on the role and application of PUFA metabolites in oral diseases will help deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of oral diseases and provide new ideas and methods for clinical treatment of oral diseases.

As an important branch of artificial intelligence, machine learning meets the demand for digital intelligence in prosthodontics with the rapid development and application of its algorithm. This review provides an overview of the application of machine learning algorithms in dental restoration, including the design of dental prostheses, tooth shade selection, and tooth preparation line detection. Additionally, this paper also briefly analyzes the merits of machine learning and discusses the challenges and issues in current research, to provide references for research on machine learning algorithms in prosthodontics.

Gingival mesenchymal stem cells(GMSCs)are a population of mesenchymal stem cells found in the lamina propria of gingival tissue and can be isolated not only from healthy gingival tissue but also from hyperplastic or even inflamed gingival tissue. GMSCs have become a hot topic of research in oral disease treatment because of their abundant sources, easy availability, unique immunomodulatory properties and multi-directional differentiation potential. GMSCs have been used in the treatment of periodontitis, gingival recession, oral cancer, mandibular defects, peripheral nerve injury repair and so on. To prevent and treat oral diseases, this study will review the recent progress of research on the application of GMSCs in oral diseases.