Management of oral diseases during pregnancy prefers to be a comprehensive oral health care strategy through-out pre-pregnant, pregnant and prenatal stages. It provides guidance not only to promote the overall health in pregnant women, but also concern fetus development and children’s oral health. Pregnancy is a time of particular vulnerability in terms of oral health due to complex physical and physiological changes. Physicians and dentists are responsible for providing professional medical care and treatment following clinical guidelines especially for pregnancy. It is also an opportune time in pregnancy to educate women about oral health care and preventing oral problems in young children. This article reviews the commonly occurring oral problems and their pathogenesis during pregnancy, dental procedures that can be carried out by physicians and preventive strategies that could be helpful in promoting oral health in both pregnant women and young children.

Minimally invasive technology is popularly applied in alveolar surgery. However, constrained by the traditional mechanics principle, minimally invasive techniques are not thoroughly implemented in complicated procedures, such as im-pacted tooth extraction. In these procedures, bone injury is difficult to restrict to the mildest degree. In this paper, the basic principle of geostatics is applied to analyze the obstacles and their elimination in tooth extraction to provide the foundation for minimally invasive tooth extraction.

An increasing number of implant restoration abutment types are produced with the rapid development of dental implantology. Although various abutments can meet different clinical demands, the selection of the appropriate abutment is both difficult and confusing. This article aims to help clinicians select the appropriate abutment by describing abutment design, types, and selection criteria.

Objective To determine the influence of altered masticatory loading on Indian hedgehog (Ihh)-parathyroid hormone-like related protein (PThrP) pathway in the condylar cartilage of growing rabbits. Methods A total of 48 10-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into two groups and fed different kinds of food, such as solid diet and soft diet. The animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Difference of Ihh and PThrP expression levels induced by altered masticatory loading was tested by hematoxylin-eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The thickness of condylar cartilage and expression levels of Ihh and PThrP proteins and mRNA of the solid diet groups exceeded those of the soft diet groups. The decreasing tendencies of the expression levels of Ihh and PThrP proteins and mRNA were observed at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks. Conclusion Low masticatory loading may delay or inhibit the development of condylar cartilage and its growing factors Ihh and PThrP. Therefore, masticatory loading plays an important role in the development of condylar cartilage.

Objective To study the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on apoptosis and autophagy of mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblast and their interaction and to further clarify protective mechanism of CGRP on osteoblasts. Methods MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts of mouse were cultured in vitro. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to detect expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and P62 protein of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts cultured with serum culture and serum-free (serum starvation) culture. Western blot was also used to detect expressions of LC3 and P62 protein of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultured at different concentrations (10^-10, 10^-9, 10^-8, and 10^-7 mol·L^-1) or without added CGRP. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were treated with 10^-8 mol·L^-1 CGRP at different times (2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h), protein expression levels of LC3 were assessed by Western blot and flow cytometry, and changes in autophagosome in cells were detected by monodansylcadaverin staining. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to pretreat MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Cells were then treated with or without CGRP for 24 h. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis level. Results Under serum starvation conditions, LC3Ⅱ expression and apoptosis of osteoblasts increased compared with that of serum culture. Under 3-MA pretreatment and serum starvation conditions, LC3Ⅱ expression of osteoblasts increased compared with that of serum culture (P<0.01). Compared with serum culture, serum starvation culture with or without CGRP significantly increased expression level of LC3 and reduced expression level of P62. LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ of osteoblasts was the highest under serum starvation and 10^-8 mol·L^-1 CGRP conditions. Serum starvation and 10^-8 mol·L^-1 CGRP culture inhibited apoptosis of osteoblasts and promoted synthesis of autophagosome. Apoptosis of osteoblasts increased after 3-MA pretreatment, and CGRP reversed inhibitory effects of 3-MA CGRP on apoptosis. Conclusion CGRP can increase autophagy of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts under serum starvation conditions. CGRP may also inhibit apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts by promoting autophagy.

Objective This work aims to examine the effects of paeonol treatment on the ability of bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMM) to excrete inflammatory factors and to differentiate into osteoclasts upon induction with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). This work also aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these abilities. Methods BMM culture was treated with different paeonol concentrations at for 1 h and then stimulated with P. gingivalis for 24 h before programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was quantified with flow cytometry. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay (ELISA). The BMM culture was treated with the receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and then with paeonol for 1 h prior to induction with P. gingivalis. Then, osteoclast formation was assessed using tartrate resis-tant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The osteoclast-related proteins TRAP and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) were quantified by Western blotting. Results Paeonol was nontoxic to BMM within a range of 10-50 μmol·L^-1. Flow cytometry showed that paeonol inhibited PD-L1 expression in P. gingivalis-induced BMM in a dose-dependent manner. ELISA indicated that paeonol dose-dependently inhibited the excretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by P. gingivalis-induced BMM (P<0.01). TRAP staining revealed that paenol treatment inhibited the differentiation of P. gingivalis-induced BMM into osteoclasts. Western blot results suggested that paeonol decreased the expression of TRAP and RANK in BMM. Conclusion Paeonol dose-dependently inhibited the excretion of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by P. gingivalis-induced BMM in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, paenol treatment prevented the differentiation of P. gingivalis-induced BMM differentiation into osteoclasts.

Objective To analyze chemical mechanism of bonding improvement of zirconia via 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) conditioning. Methods Various models were created for tetragonal zirconia crystals, molecular MDP, and MDP complex, and tetragonal zirconia crystal. Thermodynamic methods were used to analyze configuration between MDP and tetragonal zirconia crystal through calculation of their Gibbs free energy values and equilibrium constants. Results Two potential configurations (double- and single-coordinate) may occur between MDP and ZrO₂ crystal clusters. Thermodynamic calculations showed that -147.761 and -158.073 kJ·mol^-1 Gibbs free energy were required to form single- and double-coordinate configurations; their negative signs indicate that reactions for both configurations can occur. Equilibrium constant for single-coordinate configuration was 7.72×10²⁵, which was less than that of double-coordinate configuration (4.95×10²⁷), suggesting that the latter was more stable. Conclusion MDP can spontaneously establish a double-coordinate configuration with zirconia.

Objective This study evaluated the wear of an antagonist and friction and wear properties of dental zirconia ceramic that was subjected to microwave and conventional sintering methods. Methods Ten specimens were fabricated from Lava brand zirconia and randomly assigned to microwave and conventional sintering groups. A profile tester for surface rough-ness was used to measure roughness of the specimens. Wear test was performed, and steatite ceramic was used as antagonist. Friction coefficient curves were recorded, and wear volume were calculated. Finally, optical microscope was used to observe the surface morphology of zirconia and steatite ceramics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure of zirconia. Results Wear volumes of microwave and conventionally sintered zirconia were (6.940±1.382)×10^-2, (7.952±1.815) ×10^-2 mm³, respectively. Moreover, wear volumes of antagonist after sintering by the considered methods were (14.189±4.745)×10^-2, (15.813±3.481)×10^-2 mm³, correspondingly. Statistically significant difference was not observed in the wear resistance of zirconia and wear volume of steatite ceramic upon exposure to two kinds of sintering methods. Optical microscopy showed that ploughed surfaces were apparent in zirconia. The wear surface of steatite ceramic against had craze, accompanied by plough. Scanning electron microscopy showed that zirconia was sintered compactly when subjected to both conventional sintering and microwave methods, whereas grains of zirconia sintered by microwave alone were smaller and more uniform. Conclusion Two kinds of sintering methods are successfully used to produce dental zirconia ceramics with similar friction and wear properties.

Objective This study aimed to systematically evaluate the oral health status of patients suffering from chronic renal failure and undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods Electronic databases, namely, China National Knowledge Infras-tructure, Wanfang Data base, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched until May 2016 for cross-sectional and case-control studies that investigated the oral health status of patients suffering from chronic renal failure and undergoing HD. Two reviewers independently screened the trials, extracted the data, assessed the quality, and conducted a Meta-analysis with RevMan 5.3 in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Sixteen studies satisfied the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that plaque index (MD=0.62, 95%CI: 0.51-0.72), calculus index (MD=1.09, 95%CI: 0.56-1.63), probing depth (MD=0.63, 95%CI: 0.29-0.98), and attachment loss (MD=0.63, 95%CI: 0.56-0.69) were significantly higher in the patients undergoing HD than in the healthy control group (P<0.01). No significant differences in decayed missing filled teeth (MD=1.12, 95%CI: -1.08-3.32) were observed between the patients undergoing HD and the healthy control group (P=0.32). Conclusion The prevalence of caries in patients undergoing HD is similar to that in the healthy control group. However, these patients are at a higher risk of acquiring periodontal diseases than the healthy control group. Thus, the oral health status of these patients should be further evaluated in clinical treatments.

Objective This study aimed to explore the main features and advantages of the muscle pedicled platysma myocutaneous flap (PMF), the degree of improvement of flap harvest. To evaluate the application value of the flap in the reconstruction of buccal mucosa carcinoma defects. Methods Twenty-three patients received PMF with MacFee incision to reconstruct buccal mucosa defects that were caused by the resection of precancer lesions and benign and malignant tumors from August 2012 to April 2015. When elevating the cervical skin from the platysma, most of the subcutaneous tissue was preserved on the muscle. The continuity of the facial vessels was retained. The external jugular vein was preserved on the reverse side of the platysma. Results Twenty-one flaps survived completely, whereas the other two flaps presented partial skin loss. Two patients showed disturbed wound healing in the neck. Secondary healing was achieved after attentive wound care. All patients were followed up from 11 to 43 months. The function of the recipient sites recovered well. Except for the two patients with large-area scarring in the neck, the remaining cases presented satisfactory neck contours. No relapses were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion Compared with the traditional PMF, the muscle pedicled PMF provides a larger skin paddle and presents a better aesthetic and functional effect. Thus, this approach is a novel and ideal option for the restoration of buccal mucosa defects.

Objective This study aimed to investigate clinical efficacy of a modified coronal approach in treatment of craniomaxillofacial fractures. Methods Thirty-seven cases of craniomaxillofacial fractures underwent open reduction and rigid internal fixation through modified coronal approach. Clinical follow-up visits were conducted to evaluate facial nerve functional status, temporal shape, appearance restoration, and reduction of fracture and surgical area scars. Results During follow-up period of 6-36 months, appearance and function of all 37 patients recovered well without facial nerve injury and temporal depression deformity. All cases presented hidden scars, except for one case with hypertrophic scar. Conclusion Applying modified coronal approach to craniomaxillofacial surgery effectively reduces incidence of temporal depression and facial nerve injury compared with traditional approach. The modified coronal approach produced more subtle scars compared with traditional approach and should be applied to treatment of craniomaxillofacial fractures.

Objective This study aimed to compare the polishing performance of five different glass-ceramic polishing tools on CEREC Blocs ceramic and provide evidence for clinical polishing tool selection. Methods Sixty ceramic specimens were prepared and divided into six groups (n=10). These specimens received different surface treatments, including glazing (group G), polishing with Shofu polishing set, that is, Porcelain Adjustment Kit+CeraMaster (group SF), 3M Sof-Lex^TM Discs (group 3M), TobooM polishing set (group Tob), EVE DIAPRO system (group EVE), and Ivoclar Vivadent OptraFine^® system (group Ivo). Polishing quality was measured with a profilometer, and we selected Ra and Rz values for statistical analysis. Qualitative surface evaluation was performed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results The mean Ra values of each group were as follows: G (0.069 µm±0.008 µm)<3M (0.073 µm±0.009 µm)<SF (0.223 µm±0.025 µm)<Ivo (0.229 µm±0.022 µm)<EVE (0.491 µm±0.093 µm)<Tob (0.763 µm±0.067 µm). No significant difference was observed between G and 3M groups (P>0.05), and SF and Ivo groups (P>0.05), but the remaining treatment groups were significantly different from each other (P<0.05). Statistical results of Rz values were the same as the Ra values, and visual analysis of the images obtained from SEM was consistent with the statistical results. Conclusion The polishing performance of different polishing tools for CEREC Blocs ceramic was different. Sof-Lex^TM Discs achieved the most remarkable performance, which was comparable to that of glazing.

Objective To discuss through retrospective study associated factors influencing orthodontists to develop ortho-dontic treatment plans and to calculate constituent ratio of a typical extraction in orthodontic treatment. Methods Systematic sampling was performed among 7 344 orthodontic patients, who received orthodontic treatment from April 2012 to March 2014 in the Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The study included statistical data on factors that may influence development of treatment plans. Samples were used to calculate extraction-ratio and atypical-extraction-ratio. Research focused on associated factors influencing development of treatment plans while evaluating correlation significances of each factor. Finally, treatment outcomes of atypical-extraction were compared with those of typical-extraction. Results Among studied patients, 55.31% (406/734) received orthodontic extraction treatment. In orthodontic-extraction-treated patients, typical-extraction accounted for 59.11% (240/406), orthodontists-selected atypical-extraction accounted for 23.15% (94/406), and passive atypical-extraction accounted for 17.73% (72/406). With statistical analysis, we inferred associated factors influencing development of treatment plans as follows: sex and age of patients, sex of orthodontists, accurate condition of specific teeth, Angle’s classification, and degree of midline deviation. Tooth loss before treatment also directly influences passive atypical-extraction. Statistically significant factors were not obtained. Significant difference of treatment outcome was not observed between atypical-extraction and typical-extraction-orthodontic treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion Above mentioned factors may influence orthodontists to develop treatment plans. However, orthodontists should also consider expected results of treatment strategies to prepare indi-vidual treatment plans on the basis of comprehensive analysis.

Objective The main goal is to investigate the role of P120-catenin (P120^ctn) in cadherin switching, as well as migration and invasion, of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) cells. Methods The plasmid pGFP-V-RS-P120^ctn shRNA was used to transfect TSCCA cells and significantly reduce the expression of P120^ctn in these cells. Real-time fluorescent quantita-tive polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of P120^ctn, E-cadherin (E-cad), and N-cadherin (N-cad). By contrast, the Transwell cell invasion and cell migration assay was used to determine the invasion and migration capacities before and after the transfection. Results After the plasmid pGFP-V-RS-P120^ctn shRNA was transfected into the TSCCA cells, we found that as the P120^ctn expression significantly decreased, E-cad mRNA and protein expression decreased significantly. Moreover, N-cad mRNA and protein expression increased sig-nificantly (P<0.05). Lastly, the cell migration and invasion capacities were augmented significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion In OSCC cells, P120^ctn may be involved in cadherin switching and promote metastasis and invasion.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative agent of cervical cancers. Over the past several decades, increasing number of studies established strong association of HPV with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). In the present study, we reviewed evidence, including epidemiology, carcinogens, diagnosis, treatment, and pro-gnosis, showing that HPV-positive HNSCCs exhibit a variety of distinct characteristics for understanding tumor biology and improving cancer treatment.

Objective This study aimed to establish a SD rat model of chronic periodontitis (CP) merged with hyperlipidemia (HL), perform periodontal treatment, detect the expression of partial C-reactive protein (CRP) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in the rat carotid artery, and explore the relationship between periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (A), HL group (B), and CP+HL group (C). Group C rats were divided into natural process group (C1), scaling and root planning group (C2), and tooth extraction group (C3). Group C2 rats were randomly divided into C2-1 (scaling and root planning group) and C2-2 (scaling and root planning+minocyline+systemic antibiotics group). Group C3 rats were randomly divided into C3-1 (tooth extraction group) and C3-2 (tooth extraction+systemic antibiotic group). One rat from group B was randomly selected and sacrificed after 15 weeks. Subsequently, the carotid vas-cular tissue was collected for oil red O staining. Modeling was successful when foam cell formation was observed. Periodontal treatments were conducted twice, and euthanasia was performed after the experiment. Moreover, double-carotid artery bifurcation was carried out to detect the expression of CRP and P. gingivalis. Immunohistochemical and 16sRNA semiquantitative methods were used to detect the CRP expression and the relative contents of P. gingivalis, respectively. Results Immunohistochemical results showed that the CRP-positive expression in groups B and C was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). The CRP-positive expression in other group C rats were significantly lower than that in group C1 (P<0.05). The CRP-positive expression in group C2-2 was the lowest among the groups (P<0.05). The relative quantity of P. gingivalis in group C1 was the highest and significantly higher than that in groups A and B (P<0.05). The relative quantities of P. gingivalis in groups C2-1, C2-2, C3-1, and C3-2 were sig-nificantly lower than that in group C1 (P<0.05), and the quantity in group C3-2 was the lowest (P<0.05). Conclusion Rats with CP associated with HL will increase the CRP expression and oral bacteria quantity on carotid artery, and lesions will gradually aggravate. Interventions, such as periodontal basic treatment and tooth extraction, could improve carotid artery lesions. The basic treatment with local and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs exerts the most satisfactory effect on local CRP expression. Tooth extraction with antibiotics is an effective method on reducing oral bacteria in carotid artery. Periodontal basic treatment associated with local and systemic antiflammatory drugs can obviously improve the effect.

Objective To explore the effect of nicotine on the autophagy level of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Methods Periodontal tissues collected from premolars for orthodontic treatment reasons were used to culture hPDLCs. Western blot analysis was performed to test the most optimal time and concentration of nicotine on the autophagy level of the hPDLCs. Transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescence observation were carried out to detect the form of autophagosomes and expression of autophagy related protein LC3 in hPDLCs under this optimal condition. Results Protein expression of LC3Ⅱ was up regulated with the 12 h nicotine stimulating. Besides that, the up regulation of the protein expression of LC3Ⅱ was concentration dependent and nicotine with a concentration of 1×10^-5 mol·L^-1 was the most optimal condition. Transmis-sion electron microscope and immunofluorescence observations indicated that nicotine would activate the autophagy level of hPDLCs by increasing the number of autophagosomes and up regulating the expression of autophagy related protein LC3. Conclusion Nicotine could increase autophagy level of hPDLCs, thus affecting the occurrence and development of smoking related periodontitis.

Objective This work aims to determine the effect of cytosolic bacteria on the expression of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and gingival tissues. Methods The ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) to invade hPDLCs was detected using laser scanning confocal microscope assay at a multiplicity of infection of 10. P. gingivalis-infected cells were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Then, quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect cGAS expression in infected cells. Finally, the location and expression of cGAS in inflammatory and normal gingival tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results P. gingivalis actively invaded hPDLCs. Moreover, cGAS expression significantly increased in P. gingivalis-infected cells. Although cGAS was expressed in the epithelial and subepithelial cells of both inflamed andnormal gingival tissues, cGAS expression significantly increased in inflamed gingival tissues. Conclusion Cytosolic bacteria can upregulate cGAS expression in infected cells. These data suggest that cGAS may act as pattern-recognition receptors and participate in recognizing cytosolic nucleic acid pathogen-associated molecular patterns.

Continuing advances in dentin bonding technology and adhesives revolutionized bonding of resin-based com-posite restorations. However, hybrid layers created by contemporary dentin adhesives present imperfect durability, and degra-dation of collagen matrix by endogenous enzymes is a significant factor causing destruction of hybrid layers. Bond durability can be improved by using enzyme inhibitors to prevent collagen degradation and to preserve integrity of collagen matrix. This review summarizes progress on matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (including chlorhexidine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, quaternary ammonium salt, tetracycline and its derivatives, hydroxamic acid inhibitors, bisphosphonate derivative, and cross-linking agents) and suggests prospects for these compounds.

Hydrogen peroxide, an important antimicrobial agent in oral cavity, plays a significant role in the balance of oral microecology. At the early stage of biofilm formation, about 80% of the detected initial colonizers belong to the genus Streptococcus. These oral streptococci use different oxidase to produce hydrogen peroxide. Recent studies showed that the produced hydrogen peroxide plays a critical role in modulating oral microecology. Hydrogen peroxide modulates biofilm development attributed to its growth inhibitory nature. Hydrogen peroxide production is closely associated with extracellular DNA(eDNA) release from microbe and the development of its competent cell which are critical for biofilm development and also serves as source for horizontal gene transfer. Microbe also can reduce the damage to themselves through several detoxi-fication mechanisms. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is also involved in the regulation of interactions between oral microorga-nisms and host. Taken together, hydrogen peroxide is an imperative ecological factor that contributes to the microbial equi-librium in the oral cavity. Here we will give a brief review of both the origin and the function in the oral microecology balance of hydrogen peroxide.

A case of primary pharynx synovial sarcoma was reported in this paper. A 15-year-old male patient experienced painless pharyngeal swelling that gradually proliferated for 1 month. Special examination showed an 8 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm tumor located in the left pharynx and the supratonsillar crypt. Imaging tests revealed an irregular mass on the left side of the oropharynx and an unclear boundary. Immunohistochemical examination yielded the following results: epithelial membrane antigen (+), cytokeratin (CK)19 (+), CD7(+), vimentin (+), CK10(-), E-cadherin (+), B-cell lymphoma-2 (-), CD2 (-), CD10 (-), CD138 (+), CD99 (+), leukocyte common antigen (+), and Ki-67 (20%+). This condition was pathologically diagnosed as primary pharynx synovial sarcoma.

A case diagnosed as diffuse giant cell tumor of tendon sheath with chondroid metaplasia in right temporoman-dibular joint was reported. The clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and treatment were discussed with the literature review.