Changes in Patient Marker Coordinates with High-Definition Motion Management System during Frameless Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Objective: The Leksell Gamma Knife (LGK) Icon™ facilitates frameless (mask-based) fixation through its high-definition motion management (HDMM) system. However, the HDMM only records the intra-fractional motion values of patient marker without specifying changes along the X, Y, and Z axes. This study investigates the coordinate shifts in patient markers using the HDMM system during frameless gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with meningioma and metastases.

Effects of patient positioning on the trueness and precision of a desktop facial scanner: An in vitro study.

Statement Of Problem: The impact of changing the patient's position on the trueness and precision of a desktop facial scanner using both stereophotogrammetry and structured light scanning technology has yet to be assessed.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness and precision of linear measurements obtained from 3-dimensional (3D) models generated by a desktop facial scanner, with a focus on the influence of patient positioning.

Material And Methods: Two silicone-coated mannequin heads (1 male, 1 female) were scanned after being anteroposteriorly, mediolaterally, and superoinferiorly moved in front of a facial scanner at 1-cm intervals.

The Efficacy of Intrathecal Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration in Alleviation of Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Rat Model.

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP), marked by various stinging sensations, frequently arises from lumbosacral disorders, where astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) significantly contribute to its persistence. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has shown regulatory effects on astrocytic activity in inflammatory and diabetic neuropathy, yet its impact on CNP remains unclear. This study investigates the potential of intrathecal PRP injections for mitigating CNP in a chronic compressed dorsal root ganglion (CCD) rat model.

Dimensional analysis of condylar head using 3D scanned models of human dry skulls: A comparative study of measurement methods.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the dimensional characteristics of the condylar head in 3D models of dry human mandibles using two different measurement methods.

Methods: A total of 46 condylar heads from 29 dry human mandibles were scanned using a 3D scanner. Two perpendicular reference planes were used to identify the most medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior points.

Assessing the staining potential of common sauces on tooth enamel surface.

Tooth discoloration is a common esthetic concern often linked to dietary exposure to highly pigmented foods and beverages. Although the staining effects of beverages like coffee, tea, and wine have been extensively studied, less attention has been given to the staining potential of everyday condiments. This study aimed to evaluate the staining potential of eight sauces-fish sauce, curry, ketchup, sriracha, and four soy sauce varieties (Jin, Yangjo, Tsuyu, and Sashimi)-on bovine enamel specimens.

Gossypin induces apoptosis and autophagy via the MAPK/JNK pathway in HT‑29 human colorectal cancer cells.

Gossypin, a flavone found in , exhibits antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‑inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study investigated the potential of gossypin to induce apoptosis and autophagy in HT‑29 human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and assessed its association with the MAPK/JNK pathway. Cell viability assays, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, acridine orange staining, western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunohistochemistry were performed.

Current evidence on the impact of whitening toothpastes on dental restorative materials: A comprehensive review.

Purpose: This review critically examined the impact of various whitening toothpaste formulations on color stability, surface roughness, gloss, and microhardness of dental restorative materials.

Study Selection: A comprehensive literature search yielded 101 articles from PubMed, 159 from Embase, and 617 from SCOPUS, spanning 1983-2024, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Studies have shown that whitening toothpastes influence color change and surface characteristics.

CaMKIIα-NpHR-Mediated Optogenetic Inhibition of DRG Glutamatergic Neurons by Flexible Optic Fiber Alleviates Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

Glutamatergic neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRGg) exert a significant effect on peripheral nociceptive signal transmission. However, assessing the explicit modulatory effect of DRGg during chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) with neuromodulation techniques remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we inhibited DRGg by optogenetic stimulation and examined whether it could alleviate CNP and associated anxiety-related behaviors in a chronic compressed DRG (CCD) rat model.

Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida) infections in 2 wildlife species, Prionailurus bengalensis and Nyctereutes procyonoides, in Korea.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), a parasitic eye worm causing thelaziasis has been reported in humans and dogs in Korea. However, its occurrence in other potential reservoir hosts, including wild animals, remains unclear. In the present study, we described the 2 cases of thelaziasis from both of feral and captive wild animal in Korea.

Impact of demineralization, brushing, and remineralization sequences on dentin mineral retention and surface properties.

This study investigates the effects of different treatment sequences involving demineralization, brushing, and remineralization on the calcium and phosphorus (Ca/P) content, surface roughness, and microhardness of dentin specimens. Bovine dentin samples were subjected to the following five treatment conditions: control, demineralization, demineralization followed by remineralization, demineralization followed by brushing then remineralization, and demineralization followed by remineralization then brushing. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was then utilized to assess the elementary composition changes, while scanning electron microscopy provided microstructural analyses.

Optogenetic inhibition of ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex astrocytes facilitates ventrolateral periaqueductal gray glutamatergic activity to reduce hypersensitivity in infraorbital nerve injury rat model.

Background: Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) is a chronic condition characterized by heightened nociceptive responses and neuroinflammatory changes. While astrocytes are recognized as critical players in pain modulation, their specific role in influencing descending trigeminal pain pathways via ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (vlOFC) activity modulation remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the impact of optogenetic modulation of astrocytes in the vlOFC on pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION).

Critical Role of Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 4 in Brain Function.

Although Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 4 (Arhgef4) is highly expressed in the brain, its function remains poorly understood. Our previous study showed that Arhgef4 negatively regulates excitatory postsynaptic regional activity. This study investigated the effects of Arhgef4 deletion in postnatal forebrain-specific knockout mice on brain function, synaptic proteins, and behaviors.

Clinical and measurement variables affecting halitosis intensity following cysteine challenge test.

The cysteine challenge test is a reliable and efficient method for halitosis diagnosis and assessing treatment effectiveness by measuring the capacity to produce hydrogen sulfide. However, several aspects related to the test including evaluation timing and total duration following cysteine loading has not been investigated in-depth and a standardized protocol is yet to be established. This observational study compared concentrations of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) following cysteine challenge at various time points based on different measurement tools to investigate clinical factors influencing the results.

Combination treatment with rapamycin and glucocorticoid protects the death of mesostriatal dopaminergic neurons in animal model of Parkinson's disease.

Glucocorticoids have been used to treat inflammatory diseases because of their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. However, chronic use of high levels of glucocorticoids causes several adverse effects, limiting their clinical utility. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of a combination treatment involving reduced concentrations of rapamycin, an autophagy activator and immunosuppressant, and glucocorticoids in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Developing institution-specific admission competency criteria for prospective health sciences students.

Background: Given the critical role of health professionals in societal health, the development of robust and effective selection methods is of fundamental concern for educational institutions within the field of health sciences education. Conventionally, admission competencies have been determined by institutional authorities. Developing institution-specific competency criteria enables an admission process that is mission- and value-aware, evidence-based, and strategically adaptable.

Effect of coffee roasting level on tooth discoloration.

Purpose: Coffee consumption is a well-known contributor to tooth discoloration, and the extent of staining is influenced by the chemical composition of the coffee. This study investigated the associations of coffee roasting level, chlorogenic acid (CGA) content, absorbance level, and their combined effects with tooth discoloration.

Methods: Bovine tooth enamel specimens were immersed in light, medium, and dark roasts of four coffee types (two Arabica and two Robusta coffees) for 72 h.

Kaempferol Inhibits Cervical Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Autophagy Inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Background/aim: Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, occurs abundantly in fruits and vegetables. It has various bioactivities, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of kaempferol on the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of KB cells, a human cervical cancer cell line, and the corresponding action mechanisms.

Examining enamel-surface demineralization upon exposure to acidic solutions and the remineralization potential of milk and artificial saliva.

The enamel surface may undergo demineralization due to exposure to acidic substances and the remineralization of the etched enamel is crucial to regain or maintain integrity. This study aimed to investigate the erosive effect of 10 acidic solutions on tooth enamel and the remineralization capacity of milk and artificial saliva by measuring surface roughness (Ra), enamel depth, and microhardness. A total of 80 bovine incisor enamel specimens were immersed in 10 different acidic solutions, including four different acidic drinks, three different citric acid solutions, and three different citric acid buffer solutions, for 1 h.

Trigeminal neuralgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a facial pain disorder characterized by intense and paroxysmal pain that profoundly affects quality of life and presents complex challenges in diagnosis and treatment. TN can be categorized as classical, secondary and idiopathic. Epidemiological studies show variable incidence rates and an increased prevalence in women and in the elderly, with familial cases suggesting genetic factors.

Food impaction on three-dimensional printed models with periodontal ligament simulation.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate food impaction on three-dimensional (3D) printed models with periodontal ligament simulation.

Materials And Methods: Based on a commercial typodont pair, 3D maxillary and mandibular models were created with no teeth and with tooth sockets that were 1 mm wider than the original ones from 24 to 27 or 34 to 37 for periodontal ligament simulation with vinyl polysiloxane impression material. In total, 35 pairs of 7 combinations, including maxillary/mandibular typodonts in occlusion with maxillary/mandibular 3D models with/without a distal gap of canines on 3D models (tooth 23 or 33) were mounted on hinge articulators and divided into seven groups (n = 5).

Deciphering the functional role of insular cortex stratification in trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) is a major concern in both dentistry and medicine. The progression from normal to chronic TNP through activation of the insular cortex (IC) is thought to involve several neuroplastic changes in multiple brain regions, resulting in distorted pain perception and associated comorbidities. While the functional changes in the insula are recognized contributors to TNP, the intricate mechanisms underlying the involvement of the insula in TNP processing remain subjects of ongoing investigation.