Mechanisms Involved in Therapeutic Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Systems Biology and Structural Bioinformatics Approaches.

Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cancer, constituting more than 90% of all oral carcinomas. The 5-year survival rate of OSCC patients is not satisfactory, and therefore, there is an urgent need for new practical therapeutic approaches besides the current therapies to overcome OSCC. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is a plant of the family Lamiaceae with several pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Previous studies have demonstrated the curative effects of SBG in OSCC. Methods: A systems biology approach was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in OSCC patients with a dismal prognosis compared to OSCC patients with a favorable prognosis. A protein interaction map (PIM) was built based on DEMs targets, and the hub genes within the PIM were indicated. Subsequently, the prognostic role of the hubs was studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. Next, the binding affinity of SBG's main components, including baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin-A, salvigenin, and norwogonin, to the prognostic markers in OSCC was evaluated using molecular docking analysis. Results: Survival analysis showed that overexpression of CAV1, SERPINE1, ACTB, SMAD3, HMGA2, MYC, EIF2S1, HSPA4, HSPA5, and IL6 was significantly related to a poor prognosis in OSCC. Besides, molecular docking analysis demonstrated the ΔGbinding and inhibition constant values between SBG's main components and SERPINE1, ACTB, HMGA2, EIF2S1, HSPA4, and HSPA5 were as <-8.00 kcal/mol and nanomolar concentration, respectively. The most salient binding affinity was observed between wogonin and SERPINE1 with a criterion of ΔGbinding < -10.02 kcal/mol. Conclusion: The present results unraveled potential mechanisms involved in therapeutic effects of SBG in OSCC based on systems biology and structural bioinformatics analyses.

Is there any relationship between fixed orthodontic treatment and developmental indicators in children and adolescents? A prospective cohort study.

Background: Fixed orthodontic treatment may cause discomfort four to six weeks after the initiation of the treatment as it may change the type and amount of food consumed by children. This temporary change may have a long-term effect on the growth status of such children. This study aimed to detect the longitudinal relationship between fixed orthodontic treatment and developmental indicators in children and adolescents. Methods: The study population encompassed adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment as the exposure group (n = 30) and adolescents with no orthodontic treatment as the control group (n = 90). The patients' dental age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and wrist circumference were assessed at the baseline, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the orthodontic treatment. The significance level was set to be p = 0.05. Results: One-hundred twenty participants were included in this study. In the two groups, all growth parameters revealed an increasing trend. In the exposure group, weight-related indices (i.e., weight, BMI, and wrist circumference) decreased in the first month and then increased during the next five months. All indices in the control group and height in the exposure group exhibited a continuous increase. Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic treatment affects childhood growth indices. However, these effects are probably short-term, and the catchup growth mechanism can offset these effects and modify the changes in growth indices. A longer follow-up period is recommended to be considered by future researchers.

DIAGNOdent pen quantification of the synergy of NovaMin® in fluoride toothpaste to remineralize white spot lesions in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: White spot lesions (WSLs) are a real problem in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances with inadequate hygiene and eating habits. This study aimed at evaluating the synergic effects of NovaMin in fluoride toothpaste on remineralization of WSLs in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. METHODS: In the present double-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel, clinical trial, Patients with a minimum of 1 WSL on the buccal surface of the anterior teeth and the first premolar on both arches were recruited between 12 February 2021 and 12 April 2021 at the Faculty of Dentistry of X. They were randomly divided into 2 groups, the control group receiving fluoride toothpaste (Sensodyne® Rapid Relief, England), and the study group receiving the fluoride-containing toothpaste and NovaMin (Sensodyne® Repair and Protect, England). A DIAGNOdent pen (KAVO Dental Corporation, Germany) was used to score the WSLs at baseline and then after the usage for 1 and 3months. The primary outcome measures were the difference in DIAGNOdent score in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances that used fluoride toothpaste and NovaMin/fluoride toothpaste. The secondary outcome measures were the intragroup comparison of the DIAGNOdent score in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances that used fluoride toothpaste and NovaMin/fluoride toothpaste. The type of toothpaste used was blinded for the participants, examiner, and data analyser. RESULTS: A sample size comprising 38 patients (19 patients in each group) was determined. In each group, statistical analysis was conducted on 18 patients. A patient in each group refused to contribute to the study. In both groups (P<0.001), the DIAGNOdent reading of the WSLs decreased significantly after 1 and at 3months, though no significant difference was found between the two groups at different intervals. Each patient had no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In this 3-month follow-up study, NovaMin/fluoride toothpaste provided a slight improvement in WSL remineralisation, but not significant compared to fluoride toothpaste. NovaMin therefore did not have a significant synergistic effect. Both types of toothpaste can improve WSLs in orthodontic patients. THE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20140215016582N5.

The effect of intra-oral LED device and low-level laser therapy on orthodontic tooth movement in young adults: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of LED5 and LLLT6 in a three-arm parallel setting. METHODS: Sixty patients who needed the maxillary first premolar extraction were allocated to three groups using the stratified block randomization method. In the LED group, a custom-made device with a wavelength of 640nm and a power density of 40 mW/cm2 was used 5min/day. In the laser group, Ga Al As7 laser with a wavelength of 810nm and a power of 100 mW was used on days 0, 3, 30, and 60 each time for 18seconds. Patients in the control group received placebo treatment as the laser group protocol, using a coated light cure device. Models were made at baseline and monthly until the end of the retraction. The rate of canine retraction was the primary outcome, while canine rotation and pain were secondary outcomes. The final data were anonymous for the outcome assessor and statistical consultant. Data were analyzed per protocol using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: The rate of canine retraction significantly increased by 60.8% in the laser group, while it increased not significantly by 26% in the LED group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of tooth rotation and pain. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). LED with the present setting couldn't increase the rate of OTM. LLLT and LED did not affect canine rotation or pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20120220009086N4. On 1 June 2019 was retrospectively registered.

Plaque Removal Efficacy of Three Cleaning Methods for Removable Orthodontic Appliances: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanical plaque removal methods of removable orthodontic appliances (ROAs) may damage the appliance surface and may not effectively eliminate the entire microbial plaque. METHODS: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of brushing + denture cleanser tablets, brushing + propolis mouthwash and brushing only for plaque removal from each orthodontic appliance surface. This crossover randomized clinical trial evaluated 32 patients between 7-15 years with ROAs. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups of brushing (control), brushing + denture cleanser tablets (intervention group 1), and brushing + propolis mouthwash (intervention group 2). The plaque removal methods were switched among the groups during three 1-month periods. One month after practicing a certain protocol, the plaque disclosing agent was applied on the surface of the appliance. The photographs of appliances were analyzed by Image J software to calculate the surface area occupied by the residual microbial plaque. RESULTS: The ratio difference of residual plaque surface area to the surface area of the entire appliance was significant between the intervention group1 and control group (p<0.001), while it was not significant in intervention group 2 and control group (p=0.105). Also, this difference between the intervention group1 and 2 was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous use of toothbrush with denture cleanser tablets decreased the microbial biofilm on the surface of ROAs, compared with brushing alone. Thus, it seems that the use of denture cleaning tablets may be suitable for effective cleaning of ROAs.

Orthodontic patients' oral hygiene compliance by utilizing a smartphone application (Brush DJ): a randomized clinical trial.

Considering the widespread use of smartphones and their applications (apps), as well as the undeniable role of reminders and apps in behavioral interventions, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a smartphone app (Brush DJ) for oral hygiene compliance of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. In this randomized clinical trial, 120 patients between 15 to 25 years who had just started fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into two groups (n = 60). Control patients received conventional oral hygiene instruction, while patients in the intervention group were asked to use the Brush DJ smartphone app, after receiving conventional oral hygiene instruction. The plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were measured at baseline (T0), and at 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) after the onset of study. A questionnaire was given to all patients to assess the frequency and duration of tooth brushing per day, and the frequency of app usage and reminder noticing in the intervention group. Improvements in PI and GI were noted in the intervention group; while these parameters increased in the control group. Significant differences were noted in PI and GI changes between the two groups (p < 0.001). Brushing frequency and duration were positively correlated with app usage during the follow-up period. Ultimately, we believe that smartphone apps, as motivators and reminders, can greatly help in improving the orthodontic patients' oral hygiene compliance, especially in adolescents.

Effect of different surface treatments on shear bond strength of ceramic brackets to old composite.

BACKGROUND: At present, the demand for orthodontic treatment is on the rise. On the other hand, evidence shows that the bond strength of composite resins to old composite restorations is often unreliable. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of different surface treatments on shear bond strength (SBS) of ceramic brackets to old composite restorations. METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, 60 nano-hybrid composite discs were fabricated. For aging, the discs were incubated in deionized water at 37 °C for 1 month. Next, they underwent 4 different surface treatments namely acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid, sandblasting, grinding, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. Ceramic brackets were then bonded to the discs and underwent SBS testing. RESULTS: The maximum mean SBS value was obtained in the grinding group (9.16 ± 2.49 MPa), followed by the sandblasting (8.13 ± 2.58 MPa) and laser (6.57 ± 1.45 MPa) groups. The minimum mean SBS value was noted in the control group (5.07 ± 2.14 MPa). CONCLUSION: All groups except for the control group showed clinically acceptable SBS. Therefore, grinding, sandblasting, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser are suggested as effective surface treatments for bonding of ceramic orthodontic brackets to aged composite.

A comparison of mechanical characteristics of four common orthodontic loops in different ranges of activation and angular bends: The concordance between experiment and finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: Several methods have been used to analyse different characteristics of orthodontic loops, which are generally divided into two categories: Experimental methods, Analytical and numerical methods such as finite element methods (FEM). The main goal of this study was to compare the results of FEM and experimental methods in determining mechanical characteristics (moment, force and M/F in various ranges of activation and different angular bends) of four common orthodontic loops to find the level of concordance between them. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Experimental method: 60 closing loops were prepared and divided into four groups. Universal testing machine was used for two reasons: tensile tests were performed to check the horizontal force component; compression tests were designed to check the vertical force component. To measure the moment at the two ends of the loops, they were activated by 0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.7mm, 1mm, 1.25mm and 1.5mm. The vertical component of the force was calculated at the centre of the loops. Each group was divided to three subgroups, depending on the amount of applied angular bend: 0°, 20°, 40°. Finite element method (FEM): three-dimensional model loops were designed by special software. Then, strong meshing software meshed them. Loops were activated in the same range attempted in the experimental method. Then, force, moment and M/F were assessed. RESULTS: It can be understood from the results of both methods that the values of force and moment increase when the activation range and angular bend increase, and M/F increases when the activation range decreases and angular bend increases. The highest concordance between the two methods was related to M/F, force and moment. CONCLUSION: Experimental results and FEM predictions are in good agreement when determining the mechanical characteristics of the loops.

Effect of Different Types of Toothpaste on the Frictional Resistance Between Orthodontic Stainless Steel Brackets and Wires.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different types of toothpaste on the frictional resistance between stainless steel brackets and archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety stainless steel orthodontic brackets with stainless steel wires were bonded to bovine teeth and were divided into 6 groups for application of the following toothpastes: Colgate® Total® Advanced Whitening, Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health, Colgate® Anticavity, Ortho.Kin®, and Sunstar GUM® Ortho toothpastes. No toothpaste was applied in the control group. Each group was brushed by a brushing machine with the use of the designated solution for 4.5 minutes. The frictional force was measured in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/minute over a 5-mm archwire. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The frictional resistance values of Ortho.Kin® and GUM® Ortho toothpastes and the control group were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between the frictional resistance values of Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health and Colgate® Anticavity toothpastes with that of the control group (P<0.05). The highest and lowest frictional resistance values were related to Colgate® Total® Pro Gum Health toothpaste and the control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among the evaluated toothpastes, the orthodontic toothpastes did not increase the frictional resistance between the orthodontic stainless steel brackets and wires.

Effect of Fluoxetine Consumption on Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely used for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fluoxetine on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups namely the control group (no medication), saline and fluoxetine dissolved in saline. In all groups, nickel titanium closed-coil spring was used between the left maxillary central incisor and first molar to exert 60g force at 2mm activation. Radiographs were taken at one and 21 days. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed. The distance between the first and second molar teeth, optical density of bone, periodontal ligament (PDL) width, lacuna length and depth and number of osteoclasts were measured and compared among the groups. RESULTS: Tooth movement significantly increased in the fluoxetine group (P=0.005). No significant differences were found in osteoclast count (P=0.069). The PDL width in the mesioapical region of root was significantly different among the groups (P=0.015). Statistical analysis did not show significant differences in depth or length of lacunae in any examined part of the root (P>0.05). Bone densitometry results showed that in fluoxetine group, density of bone in all four areas (alveolar bone, hard palate, skull and mandibular bone) significantly decreased from day one to day 21 (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that fluoxetine decreased bone density, which resulted in subsequently greater tooth movement in rats; however, further studies are needed on humans.