What impact do personality traits have on self-perception of dental aesthetics?

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion has significant social, psychological and physical impacts on the quality of life. This study aimed to study psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among students, and how it was modified by personality traits. METHODS: Chinese version of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Scale of (EPQ-RSC) and Chinese version of Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) were used to investigate 555 undergraduate students, aged 18 to 24 years. The participants and investigators self-rated their own dental aesthetics using the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The malocclusion was assessed by two independent investigators using the Dental Health Component (DHC) of IOTN. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found for gender (p = 0.829) nor for majors (p = 0.598) in the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics. Total and subscale PIDAQ scores differed significantly among the 3 IOTN grades. PIDAQ scores strongly correlated with Eysenck personality. The dimensions of extraversion and neuroticism, and dental health component grades had significant impact on participants' psychosocial well-being of dental aesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotic people with high self-concerns perceived greater psychosocial impact. Outgoing people appear to be less affected psychosocially by dental aesthetics.

The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Esthetics in Undergraduates with Borderline Malocclusion.

Background: The study investigates the existing correlation between self-perceived malocclusion, the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics, and whether this link involves personality traits. Methods: The 179 questionnaires from 615 undergraduates in Wenzhou were used for analysis after applying the exclusion criteria. The Psychosocial Impact of the Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) was administered to evaluate participants' perceptions of the psychosocial impacts of malocclusion. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The Chinese version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Short Scale (EPQ-RSC) evaluated participants' personality characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences between the IOTN-Dental Health Component (DHC) and expectations of orthodontic treatment. Linear regression was applied with PADAQ and its subscale scores against possible variables. Results: The total and subscale PIDAQ scores were positively correlated with neuroticism. Total PIDAQ scores, the DHC, and the Aesthetic Component (AC) were significantly positively correlated with the subjective AC. The DHC was significantly negatively correlated with extroversion. Conclusions: We confirmed a modest link between the need for orthodontic treatment and the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics.

Thermosensitive bFGF-Modified Hydrogel with Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Neuroinflammation of Spinal Cord Injury.

Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) induces severe neuroinflammation, which increases intermediary filaments and neurodegeneration. Previous studies have shown that a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) contribute to a protective effect on injured neuronal cells, but the mechanism of SCI repair is still unclear. In this study, in situ heparin (HeP) hydrogel injection containing bFGF and DPSCs (HeP-bFGF-DPSCs), as well as in vitro studies of bFGF and DPSCs, proved an effective control over inflammation. The in vivo application of HeP-bFGF-DPSCs regulated inflammatory reactions and accelerated the nerve regeneration through microtubule stabilization and tissue vasculature. Our mechanistic investigation also showed that bFGF-DPSCs treatment inhibited microglia/macrophage proliferation and activation. Furthermore, HeP-bFGF-DPSCs prevented microglia/macrophage activation and reduced proinflammatory cytokine release. In this paper, we discovered that bFGF and DPSCs worked together to attenuate tissue inflammation of the injured spinal cord, resulting in a superior nerve repair. Our results indicated that a thermosensitive hydrogel delivering bFGF and DPSCs could serve as a promising treatment option for spinal cord injuries.

Agreement of young adults and orthodontists on dental aesthetics & influencing factors of self-perceived aesthetics.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the agreement between orthodontist's and Chinese young adult's self-perceived aesthetics, the normative treatment need based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and the main factors affecting the self-perceived aesthetics. METHODS: A random sample of 348 Chinese young adults (116 males and 232 females) aged 17-24 years were recruited in this study. Two orthodontists were involved in rating the cases. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed according to the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, including Aesthetic components and Dental Health Components (AC and DHC). Personality traits were assessed according to Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Cohen's kappa test was used to assess the agreement, and spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association among all variables. RESULTS: A statistically significant level of agreement was observed between young adult's perception and orthodontist's perception in IOTN (kappa = 0.14). A positive relationship (p < 0.001)existed between the young adult's AC and the orthodontist' s AC (r = 0.275), and between the young adult' s AC and the normative need DHC (r = 0.195). The orthodontist's AC was strongly related to the normative need (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). Association between the young adult's AC and gender and EPQ-E were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults tend to be less critical in assessing orthodontic treatment needs than orthodontists. The orthodontist's AC reflecting subjective treatment need is strongly connected to the normative need. The adult's perception of aesthetic component is affected by factors such as gender and personality traits.

Effect of personality on oral health-related quality of life in undergraduates.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of personality traits and other variables on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Chinese undergraduates aged 17 to 24 years with no history of orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 443 undergraduate students aged 17 to 24 years were selected and completed a two-section questionnaire: the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Scale Chinese version and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 Chinese version (OHIP-14). Malocclusion severity was assessed via clinical examination using the dental health component (DHC) and esthetic component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Severe dentofacial deformities that required orthognathic surgery were excluded. RESULTS: The total and all dichotomized OHIP-14 dimensions correlated closely with the neuroticism personality traits ( P < .001). The total and some subscales of OHIP-14 were related with psychoticism. Women had higher OHIP-14 scores than men, especially in the normal occlusion group. Nevertheless, men with more severe malocclusions had higher scores that were similar to those of women. OHRQoL was significantly different between the major of dentistry and other majors. CONCLUSIONS: Personality affects comprehensive OHRQoL, and the most significant predictor is neuroticism. Female young adults have worse OHRQoL than male young adults, especially among those with mild malocclusion.

Individualized intervention to reduce anxiety in adult orthodontic patients based on Q methodology.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we used Q methodology to assess the concerns of adults seeking orthodontic treatment and to determine individualized interventions to reduce their anxiety. METHODS: Statements of concern were derived by in-depth interviews with 70 adult patients. Q sorting methodology was then used to identify the main factors associated with anxiety in a cohort of 40 adults who had not been involved in the first part of the study. The final stage involved a randomized study in which 160 new adult patients were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group sorted the statements, after which individualized interventions were implemented. Participants in the control group received routine treatment. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure changes in participants' anxiety levels before and during treatment. RESULTS: In total, 41 statements were identified, and participants were classified according to 5 factors. Factor 1 participants were concerned about the lack of treatment information; factor 2 represented concerns about cost and other people's opinions; factor 3 represented concerns about impact on work related to wearing braces; factor 4 encompassed concerns about treatment effects, pain, and dental fears; and factor 5 reflected concerns about side effects and finding a partner. The mean state anxiety inventory scores for both the intervention and control groups were highest 24 hours after bonding (intervention group, 44.63 ± 4.49; control group, 49.43 ± 5.42). The intragroup state anxiety inventory scores differed significantly across the 6 time points (P <0.01), with the state anxiety inventory scores of the intervention group significantly lower than those of the control group (P <0.01) at all time points except baseline. No significant intergroup or intragroup differences were found in relation to trait anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Adult orthodontic patients expressed diverse concerns. Individualized interventions based on Q methodology may reduce anxiety in this patient population.

Impact of fixed orthodontic appliance or clear-aligner on daily performance, in adult patients with moderate need for treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of wearing fixed orthodontic appliance (FOA) or clear-aligner, on daily performance in adult patients. METHODS: The Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index was assessed in 152 adults aged 25-35 years at baseline (T0), 6 months after bonding (T1), and 12 months after bonding (T2). Participants were randomly divided into two groups: CA group (participants treated with clear-aligner) and a control group (FOA group; participants treated with FOA). Baseline malocclusion severity was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sociodemographic variables and OIDP scores at baseline between the two groups. Significant changes in OIDP total and subscale scores were observed while wearing FOA: OIDP total score and subscale scores of eating, cleaning teeth, smiling, and social relation at T1 and T2 were significantly higher than at baseline (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, only OIDP total score was significantly increased at T1 compared to the baseline in the CA group. OIDP total score and subscale scores of eating, cleaning teeth, smiling, and social relation were significantly higher in patients wearing FOA than in patients wearing clear-aligner at T1 and T2 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients wearing clear-aligner have fewer impacts on daily life than those wearing FOA during treatment, and have no significant changes in OIPD subscale scores at 12 months. FOA therapy significantly impacts daily performance in adult patients during treatment.

Psychosocial impact of dental esthetics regulates motivation to seek orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics for adults seeking orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The Chinese version of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) was administered to 393 adults, aged 18 to 30 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group (received orthodontic treatment) and a control group (rejected orthodontic treatment). Baseline malocclusion severity was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). RESULTS: The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed no statistically significant difference between the groups for the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN (P = 0.134). Total and subscale PIDAQ scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group and differed significantly in each group among the 4 IOTN-DHC grades; self-confidence scores in the control group (F = 1.802; P >0.05) were the exception. Correlations between the PIDAQ scores and the IOTN-DHC grades were strong in each group. DHC grades, psychological impact, social impact, and aesthetic concern had significant impacts on patients accepting orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial impact of dental esthetics played an important role in the decision-making process of adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Importantly, participants with low self-awareness of the potential psychosocial impact rejected orthodontic treatment, despite the need for severe normative treatment.

Prediction of pain in orthodontic patients based on preoperative pain assessment.

AIM: To investigate whether pretreatment assessment of experimental pain can predict the level of pain after archwire placement. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one general university students seeking orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this study. A cold pressor test was performed to estimate the pain tolerance of subjects before treatment. Self-reported pain intensity was calculated using a 10 cm visual analog scale during the 7 days after treatment. The relationship between pain tolerance and orthodontic pain was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: The maximum mean level of pain intensity occurred at 24 hours after bonding (53.31±16.13) and fell to normal levels at day 7. Spearman's correlation analysis found a moderate positive association between preoperative pain tolerance and self-reported pain after archwire placement (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in pain intensity between male and female patients at any time point (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: A simple and noninvasive preoperative sensory test (the cold pressor test) was useful in predicting the risk of developing unbearable pain in patients after archwire placement. Self-reported pain after archwire placement decreased as individual pain tolerance increased.

Influence of structured telephone follow-up on patient compliance with rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effects of structured telephone follow-up on patient's home-exercise compliance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A total of 202 elderly patients who received a unilateral TKA were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group that received structured telephone follow-up after discharge and the control group that received routine health care. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression survey scores were measured before and after TKA. The intergroup and intragroup differences were analyzed during the 12 months following discharge. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of both groups. The mean home-exercise time and total days in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Variable scores differed significantly between groups. Pain, functional ability, quality of life, and depression improved significantly after TKA in both groups, and the intervention group had greater improvement in mental health and active range of motion. CONCLUSION: Undergoing a TKA can significantly reduce the patient's pain from osteoarthritis while improving the overall physical function and quality of life. Furthermore, a structured telephone follow-up can improve patient adherence to home exercise after TKA.

A feasible method to improve adherence of Hawley retainer in adolescent orthodontic patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Retention is an important component of orthodontic treatment; however, poor compliance with retainer use is often encountered, especially in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to prove the hypothesis that verbal instructions combined with images showing the severe consequences of poor compliance can increase retainer use. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample was recruited from Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, between February 2013 and May 2014, and 326 participants were randomized into three groups. Patients and parents in Group A (n=106) were given routine retainer wear instructions only; in Group B (n=111), images illustrating the severe consequences of poor compliance with Hawley retainer use were shown to patients, combined with routine instructions; and in Group C (n=109), images illustrating the severe consequences of poor compliance with Hawley retainer use were shown to patients and parents, combined with routine instructions. Three months after debonding, questionnaires were used to investigate daily wear time and the reasons for poor compliance. Differences in means between the groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean daily wear time in Group C (15.09±4.13 hours) was significantly greater than in Group A (12.37±4.58 hours, P<0.01) or Group B (13.50±4.22 hours, P<0.05); the mean daily wear time in Group B was greater than in Group A, but was not significant (P=0.67). Reasons for nonusage were forgetting to wear the retainer (51%) and finding the retainer bothersome to frequently insert and remove (42%). CONCLUSION: Verbal instructions combined with images showing the severe consequences of poor compliance can increase retainer use. Parents play an important role in compliance with retainer use in adolescent patients.

Assessment of the effect of ketamine on cytochrome P450 isoforms activity in rats by cocktail method.

Cocktail method was used to evaluate the influence of ketamine on the activities of CYP450 isoforms CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP2B6, which were reflected by the changes of pharmacokinetic parameters of six specific probe drugs phenacetin, metroprolol, midazolam, omeprazole, tolbutamide and bupropion, respectively. The experimental rats were randomly divided into two group, control group and ketamine group. The ketamine group rats were given 50 mg/kg ketamine by continuous intragastric administration for 14 days. The mixture of six probes was given to rats through intragastric administration and the blood samples were obtained at a series of time-points through the caudal vein. The concentrations of probe drugs in rat plasma were measured by UPLC-MS/MS. In the experiment for ketamine and control group, there was statistical pharmacokinetics difference for phenacetin, metroprolol, midazolam, omeprazole, tolbutamide and bupropion. Continuous intragastric administration for 14 days could induce the activities of CYP450 isoforms CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 of rats.

Motivation of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment: an application of Q-methodology.

BACKGROUND: Motivation is the impetus for patients to seek orthodontic treatment, affecting adherence, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the motivation of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment, and classify the patients according to their motivations. METHODS: This study used Q-methodology as the main tool. Q-samples were collected and categorized (35 items). Forty-two adult female patients were interviewed before treatment as the P-sample, and their responses were categorized into the Q-methodology grid. Participants were asked to rank-order a set of 35 statements (Q-sample) from "agree most" to "disagree most" (Q-sorting). The finished Q-grids were analyzed using PQ method 2.35. RESULTS: Four main factors were identified based on how adult female patients ranked statements: factor 1, patients who focus on their self-perception of their appearance; factor 2, patients who are concerned about the esthetics and function of their teeth; factor 3, patients who are easily influenced by others; factor 4, patients who want to improve their confidence and avoid negative thoughts caused by their teeth. The remaining patients who had other views did not match any of the above four groups. CONCLUSION: The motivations of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment are complex. This study found that most adult female patients fell into one of four typical factor groups. Our findings may improve the adherence of adult female patients by developing a more ideal treatment program.

Use of Q methodology to assess the concerns of adult female individuals seeking orthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment may cause functional restrictions, discomfort, and pain, which may lead to dental anxiety and noncooperation among patients. This study aimed to assess the concerns of adult female patients with respect to such treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted an explorative study using Q methodology among 40 adult female patients with different educational and social backgrounds in Wenzhou, People's Republic of China. We asked participants to rank a set of 41 statements about seeking orthodontic treatment on an 11-point scale from "agree most" to "disagree most". The collected data were analyzed using the PQ Method 2.35 program. We extracted significant viewpoints using centroid factor extraction and varimax rotation. RESULTS: We identified major factors based on how the patients ranked statements. Patients in group 1 worried about lack of information about orthodontic treatment, and may have suffered from dental phobia; patients in group 2 were all single women, and they were worried that the braces might lower their chances of finding a partner; patients in group 3 worried about appearance and speech with braces; and patients in group 4 worried about cost, pain, and dental hygiene. The remaining participants who had other viewpoints did not load to any of these four groups. CONCLUSION: The concerns of adult female individuals seeking orthodontic treatment are complex. A significant feature of this study was using Q methodology to analyze the psychological characteristics of the patients. This study identified four typical characterizations that are associated with each group, and our findings may aid orthodontists in improving doctor-patient relationships.

Metabolomics analysis in rats after administration of Datura stramonium.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Datura stramonium on rats by examining the differences in urine and serum metabolites between Datura stramonium groups and control group. SIMCA-P+12.0.1.0 software was used for partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to screen for the differential metabolites. Fifteen metabolites in urine including malonic acid, pentanedioic acid, D-xylose, D-ribose, xylulose, azelaic acid, threitol, glycine, butanoic acid, D-mannose, D-gluconic acid, galactonic acid, myo-inositol, octadecanoic acid, pseudouridine and ten metabolites in serum including alanine, butanedioic acid, L-methionine, propanedioic acid, hexadecanoic acid, D-fructose, tetradecanoic acid, D-glucose, D-galactose, oleic acid were selected as the characteristic metabolites. The PLS-DA scores plot indicated that serum and urine metabolites have a variety of changes among low dose group, high dose group and control group. These metabolites were related with amino metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. The result reflected the relationship between metabolites in rat fluid and Datura stramonium spectra. Potential differences in metabolites and metabolic pathway analysis showed that the establishment of urine and serum metabolomics methods for further evaluating drug has great significance.

Orthodontic treatment of severe anterior open bite and alveolar bone defect complicated by an ankylosed maxillary central incisor: a case report.

Incisor trauma is common in children, and can cause severe complications during adolescent growth and development. This report describes the treatment of a 16-year-old patient with severe anterior open bite due to ankylosis of the maxillary left incisor after dental trauma as an 8-year-old. No examination or active treatment was undertaken until he was 16 years old. Clinical examination revealed that the maxillary left incisor was severely intruded accompanied by a vertical alveolar bone defect. Orthodontic treatment combined with surgical luxation took 3 years and 7 months. During treatment, the intruded incisor was moved to the occlusal level and the alveolar bone defect was restored, achieving normal occlusion. After two years of retention, the maxillary left incisor was retained in a stable normal position with a slightly reduced overbite. This case demonstrates that surgical luxation with orthodontic traction can be an effective approach, especially when the ankylosed tooth has a single root. Long-term monitoring of orthodontic stability and the maintenance of periodontal health are crucial in the post-treatment period.

MiR-206 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets K-Ras in human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: MicroRNA-206 (miR-206) has been proven to be downregulated in many human malignancies and is correlated with tumor progression. However, the roles of miR-206 and its related molecular mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of miR-206 in OSCC tumorigenesis and development. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect miR-206 expression in OSCC cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association of miR-206 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was also analyzed. In addition, the effects of miR-206 on the biological behavior of OSCC cells were investigated. Lastly, the potential regulatory function of miR-206 on K-Ras expression was confirmed. RESULTS: MiR-206 expression was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines (both P<0.001). Decreased miR-206 expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, advanced T classifications (ie, size and/or extent of the primary tumor), positive N classification (ie, spread to regional lymph nodes), and shorter overall survival. In addition, upregulation of miR-206 in Tca8113 cells was able to reduce cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and promote cell apoptosis in vitro. Further, K-Ras was confirmed as a direct target of miR-206 by using luciferase reporter assay. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that miR-206 may act as a tumor suppressor in OSCC and could serve as a novel therapeutic agent for miR-based therapy.