The efficiency of a customized distalizer with Variety SP® screws anchored on palatal miniscrews for upper molar distalization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a customized distalizer with Variety SP® screws anchored on palatal miniscrews for upper molar distalization. METHODS: Seventeen patients aged between 12.5 and 24 years underwent distalization with a customized distalizer. Lateral cephalogram and cast analysis were performed before and after distalization. Linear and angular parameters of the upper first molar, first premolar, and central incisor were assessed. RESULTS: Distalization with the force passing near the center of resistance (CRes) of the upper first molars resulted in distal movement, with minimal distal tipping (2.8 ±â€Š0.45°, p< 0.05). However, distalization passing occlusal to the CRes led to greater distal tipping (13.6 ±â€Š1.63°, p< 0.05). Statistically significant spontaneous distal tipping and distal movement of the upper first premolars occurred, with a mean of 6.2 ±â€Š1.24° (p< 0.05) and 0.68 ±â€Š0.34 mm (p< 0.05), respectively. The positional change of the upper central incisors presented a mean of -0.23 ±â€Š0.1 mm (p> 0.05) and 2.65 ±â€Š1.1° (p< 0.05). Upper first molar intrusion was statistically significant, with a mean of 0.88 ±â€Š0.2 mm (p< 0.05). Upper right and left first molars rotation towards palatal midline presented mean of 4.1 ±â€Š0.19° (p< 0.05) and 3.4  ±â€Š0.1° (p< 0.05), respectively. Additionally, the distance between upper right and left first molars increased significantly, with a mean of 2.54 ±â€Š0.01 mm (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study successfully demonstrated the efficiency of molar distalization without anchorage loss using a customized distalizer anchored on palatal miniscrews.

Infection of Human Macrophage-Like Cells by African Swine Fever Virus.

BACKGROUND: The African swine fever (ASF) virus (ASFV) and ASF-like viral sequences were identified in human samples and sewage as well as in different water environments. Pigs regularly experience infections by the ASFV. The considerable stability of the virus in the environment suggests that there is ongoing and long-term contact between humans and the ASFV. However, humans exhibit resistance to the ASFV, and the decisive factor in developing infection in the body is most likely the reaction of target macrophages to the virus. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the responses of human macrophages to the virus and explore the distinct features of the viral replication cycle within human macrophages. METHODS: The ASFV Armenia/07 strain was used in all experiments. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the ASFV gene expression; flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of the inactive and active ASFV (inASFV and aASFV) treatments on the phenotype of THP-1-derived macrophages (Mφ0) and inflammatory markers. Moreover, other methods such as cell viability and apoptosis assays, staining techniques, phagocytosis assay, lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP-1) cytometry, and cytokine detection were used during experiments. RESULTS: Our findings showed that the virus initiated replication by entering human macrophages. Subsequently, the virus shed its capsid and initiated the transcription of numerous viral genes, and at least some of these genes executed their functions. In THP-1-derived macrophages (Mφ0), the ASFV implemented several functions to suppress cell activity, although the timing of their implementation was slower compared with virus-sensitive porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Additionally, the virus could not complete the entire replication cycle in human Mφ0, as indicated by the absence of viral factories and a decrease in infectious titers of the virus with each subsequent passage. Overall, the infection of Mφ0 with the ASFV caused significant alterations in their phenotype and functions, such as increased TLR2, TLR3, CD80, CD36, CD163, CXCR2, and surface LAMP-1 expression. Increased production of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased production of interferon (IFN)-α were also observed. Taken together, the virus enters human THP-1-derived macrophages, starts transcription, and causes immunological responses by target cells but cannot complete the replicative cycle. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there may be molecular limitations within human macrophages that at least partially restrict the complete replication of the ASFV. Understanding the factors that hinder viral replication in Mφ0 can provide valuable insights into the host-virus interactions and the mechanisms underlying the resistance of human macrophages to the ASFV.

The efficiency of a customized distalizer with Variety SP® screws anchored on palatal miniscrews for upper molar distalization

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a customized distalizer with Variety SP® screws anchored on palatal miniscrews for upper molar distalization. Methods: Seventeen patients aged between 12.5 and 24 years underwent distalization with a customized distalizer. Lateral cephalogram and cast analysis were performed before and after distalization. Linear and angular parameters of the upper first molar, first premolar, and central incisor were assessed. Results: Distalization with the force passing near the center of resistance (CRes) of the upper first molars resulted in distal movement, with minimal distal tipping (2.8±0.45°, p<0.05). However, distalization passing occlusal to the CRes led to greater distal tipping (13.6±1.63°, p<0.05). Statistically significant spontaneous distal tipping and distal movement of the upper first premolars occurred, with a mean of 6.2±1.24° (p<0.05) and 0.68±0.34 mm (p<0.05), respectively. The positional change of the upper central incisors presented a mean of -0.23±0.1 mm (p>0.05) and 2.65±1.1° (p<0.05). Upper first molar intrusion was statistically significant, with a mean of 0.88±0.2 mm (p<0.05). Upper right and left first molars rotation towards palatal midline presented mean of 4.1±0.19° (p<0.05) and 3.4 ±0.1° (p<0.05), respectively. Additionally, the distance between upper right and left first molars increased significantly, with a mean of 2.54±0.01 mm (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrated the efficiency of molar distalization without anchorage loss using a customized distalizer anchored on palatal miniscrews.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um distalizador personalizado com parafusos Variety SP® ancorado em mini-implantes palatinos para distalização de molares superiores. Métodos: Dezessete pacientes com idade entre 12,5 e 24 anos foram submetidos à distalização com o distalizador customizado. Análises das radiografias cefalométricas laterais e dos modelos de gesso foram realizadas antes e depois da distalização. Foram avaliados parâmetros lineares e angulares dos primeiros molares, primeiros pré-molares e incisivos centrais superiores. Resultados: A distalização com a força passando perto do centro de resistência (CRes) dos primeiros molares superiores resultou em distalização com inclinação mínima (2,8 ± 0,45°, p<0,05). Entretanto, a distalização passando oclusal ao CRes levou a uma maior inclinação para distal (13,6 ± 1,63°, p<0,05). Ocorreu inclinação distal espontânea e movimento distal estatisticamente significativo dos primeiros pré-molares superiores, com média de 6,2 ± 1,24° (p<0,05) e 0,68 ± 0,34 mm (p<0,05), respectivamente. A mudança de posicionamento dos incisivos centrais superiores apresentou média de -0,23 ± 0,1 mm (p>0,05) e 2,65 ± 1,1° (p<0,05). A intrusão dos primeiros molares superiores foi estatisticamente significativa, com média de 0,88 ± 0,2 mm (p<0,05). A rotação dos primeiros molares superiores direito e esquerdo em direção à linha média palatina apresentou média de 4,1 ± 0,19° (p<0,05) e 3,4 ± 0,1° (p<0,05), respectivamente. Além disso, a distância entre os primeiros molares superiores direito e esquerdo aumentou significativamente, com média de 2,54 ± 0,01 mm (p<0,05). Conclusão: O estudo demonstrou com sucesso a eficiência da distalização de molares sem perda de ancoragem utilizando um distalizador customizado ancorado em mini-implantes palatinos.