Digital Commons Network^™

Ruptured Silicone Cheek Implant Mimicking Odontogenic Infection: A Diagnostic Pitfall, Kimiko Ohgi, Tomoko Shiraishi, Toyohiro Kagawa, Yasunori Yoshinaga

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Clinical Potential Of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image Segmentation In Dentistry, Hsin-Hua Chou, Takashi Saito, Chih-Kai Huang, Wei-Chun Lin

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Silencing The Mir-132/Sirt1 Axis Suppresses Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation And Myofibroblast Differentiation In Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Ming-Yung Chou, Min Yee Ng, Yi-Wen Liao, Chuan-Hang Yu, Cheng-Chia Yu, Sin-Jia Tseng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by progressive extracellular matrix deposition, myofibroblast activation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling. However, the upstream microRNA-mediated mechanisms linking fibrogenesis and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation remain unclear. This study investigated the role of the miR-132/sirtuin 1  (SIRT1) axis in OSF-associated fibrotic and inflammatory responses.

Materials and methods

miR-132 expression was examined in OSF tissues, normal tissues, primary buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs), and fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs) using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. Patient-derived fBMFs were transfected with a miR-132 inhibitor …

Anemia, Hematinic Deficiencies, Hyperhomocysteinemia, And Serum Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody Positivity In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients With Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Yi-Ping Wang, Yi-Pang Lee, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found that 30 of 430 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients have vitamin B12 deficiency. This study assessed whether the vitamin B12-deficient RAS (B12D/RAS) patients had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than healthy control subjects and evaluated whether all B12D/RAS patients had pernicious anemia (PA).

Materials and methods: The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 430 RAS patients including 30 B12D/RAS patients and 430 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results: We found that 30 B12D/RAS …

The Clinical Applications Of Platelet-Rich Plasma And Platelet-Rich Fibrin Combined With Photobiomodulation In Regenerative Dentistry: A Literature Review, Maryam Pourhajibagher, Rashin Bahrami, Abbas Bahador

Journal of Dental Sciences

Regenerative dentistry seeks to restore oral tissues through biologically driven therapies that stimulate endogenous healing. Among these, autologous platelet concentrates—namely platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—serve as reservoirs of growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which promote angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. Complementing these biological mediators, photobiomodulation (PBM) represents a non-invasive light-based therapy that enhances mitochondrial activity, modulates inflammation, and accelerates tissue regeneration. Accumulating evidence suggests that combining PRP or PRF with PBM produces synergistic effects that surpass those achieved by …

A Scientometric Study On Research Trends And Characteristics Of Kimura Disease, Zhongjing Lv, Yiming Luo, Wei Liu, Jian Yuan

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Kimura disease (KD) is an idiopathic condition that presents as a chronic, benign inflammatory disorder, typically affecting the head and neck region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of KD.

Materials and methods: All the papers on KD were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2012 and after 2012 in the analysis of research trends.

Results: There were 925 papers on KD, with total citations of 10,821 and the h index of 47. Eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, nephrotic syndrome, angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, …

The Association Between Dental Prophylaxis And Diabetes Outcomes: A 15-Year Cohort Study, Hsueh-Fen Chen, Shih-Feng Weng, Ju-Hui Wu, Mei-Yueh Lee, Hui-Min Hsieh, Yu-Ting Huang, Yi-Cai Liu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Periodontal disease and diabetes share inflammatory pathways. Dental prophylaxis (DP) is effective in preventing periodontal inflammation; however, its association with diabetes outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between DP intensity and mortality and diabetes-related complications among adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (2005–2022). Adults aged 18–70 years with incident type 2 diabetes in 2007 were identified, with 2005-2006 as the washout period. Participants were followed from 2008 until death or December 31, 2022. Annual DP intensity …

Effects Of Low-Level Er:Yag Laser Irradiation On Endothelial Angiogenic Responses In Diabetes: An In Vitro Study, Bruna Akinaga Moreira, Koji Mizutani, Natsumi Saito, Lu Chen, Shu Takemura, Keita Nakagawa, Yujin Ohsugi, Taichen Lin, Takanori Iwata, Akira Aoki

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation has been reported to promote angiogenesis-related endothelial responses and enhance periodontal tissue healing. However, its effects on angiogenesis under hyperglycemic conditions have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation enhances the angiogenic response under hyperglycemic conditions.

Materials and methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in control-glucose (CG, 5.5 mM) or high-glucose (HG, 25 mM) medium and subjected to low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) using an Er:YAG laser at 10 Hz and 30 mJ/pulse for 30 s under two pulse-widths. Angiogenesis-related cellular functions were evaluated by assessing cell …

Hollow Fiber Assay Microtube Array Membrane (Mtam-Hfa) For Personalized Anticancer Drug Screening In Selection Of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Shan-Ju Chou, Po-Chih Hsu, Chee Ho Chew, Wan-Ting Huang, Amanda Lin Chen, Chen-Yin Yong, Chia-Che Wu, Chia-Lun Chang, Chien-Chung Chen, Kuan-Chou Lin

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: In Asia, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are on the rise in part due to the consumption of betel nut in several regions. This clinical case study evaluated the application of the microtube array membrane-hollow fiber assay (MTAM-HFA) that was previously clinically demonstrated in the context of the selection of chemotheraputic agents as part of the treatment of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in OSCC.

Materials and methods: In this double-blind cohort study, surgical samples from OSCC patients were retrieved and sent for screening of tumor response against a panel of chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, carboplatin and docetaxel). …

January 2026 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Serum Protein Signatures For Breast Cancer Detection In Treatment-Naïve African American Women Using Integrated Proteomics And Pattern Analysis, Padma Tadi Uppala, Elmer Rivera, Hyun J. Kwon, Sharon S. Lum

Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in African American (AA) women. In this study we evaluated the serum proteomic profile of AA women with breast cancer using an integrated proteomic framework with multivariate pattern analysis. Using 2D-DIGE, thousands of serum protein spots were detected across 33 gels; 46 spots met criteria for presence, statistical significance, and differential expression. Proteins from the spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and matched in curated databases, highlighting serum biomarkers including ceruloplasmin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement component C3 and C6, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and haptoglobin-related protein. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 163 differentiating peptides after imputing and …

A Survey Of Nurses’ Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Guidelines For Indwelling Urinary Catheter Care, Linda Coventry, Michelle Gay, Amineh Rashidi, Anke Ebeling, Roshnika Fernando, Christine Hallauer, Manjari Jayarathna, Rashmi Shrestha, Blake Smith, Paige Watkins, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Urinary tract infections are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, with catheter-associated urinary tract infections being a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. Aim: To assess nurses’ knowledge of evidence-based indwelling urinary catheter care and explore the barriers and facilitators of evidence-based indwelling catheter care. Design: A cross-sectional survey-based study of nurses in an acute private hospital in Western Australia was conducted from March 2021 to April 2021. Methods: Respondents were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire included (1) demographics, knowledge of: (2) indications, (3) catheter care, (4) catheter-associated urinary tract infections prevention, and two open-ended …

A Proposed Conceptual Framework For Assessing Quality Of Life In The United Arab Emirates: Application To Ras Al Khaimah Emirate, Aaesha Saif Al Shehhi

Dissertations

Quality of Life (QoL) has become a central concern in urban planning and sustainable development, particularly in rapidly transforming contexts such as the United Arab Emirates. This dissertation proposes and empirically validates a comprehensive framework for assessing urban QoL, with a focused application to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. A mixed-methods approach integrates objective indicators and residents' subjective perceptions, aligned with national strategies including UAE Vision 2030, the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and UAE Centennial 2071.

The methodology combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and statistical analyses to evaluate seven key sectors: environment, infrastructure …

Human Vaccine Hesitancy Spillover In The Field Of Veterinary Medicine: A Systematic Narrative Review Of Impacts And Veterinary Responses, Allison Schimpf

HEAL Project Outputs

Human vaccine hesitancy spillover in the veterinary field is a relatively new concept that has gained traction since the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns about vaccine safety have increased among pet owners leading to questions about the potential impacts of reduced vaccination and how veterinarians can address these attitudes. A systematic search strategy following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was used with 3 different databases to collect peer-reviewed research articles from 2022 until now. The initial search yielded 376 articles for review and 11 were included after screening. Articles were analyzed using a narrative review format. Results showed that pet owners are more vaccine …

Health Empowerment And Learning (Heal) Data Needs And Assets Assessment, Kayla Gurganus, Amelia Hartley

HEAL Project Outputs

From October 2025 through March 2026, HEAL conducted interviews with health organization and local health department (LHD) staff to learn about the data environment and activities involving data. This report summarizes the project process and results, focusing on common challenges and needed skills identified by interviewees. The primary challenges identified by LHDs and health organizations relate to coordination and navigation, timely access and data sharing, communicating data, and staffing and funding. The necessary skills and resources interviewees shared relate to technical assistance, skills and capacity building, and staffing. The report concludes with a menu of services that the HEAL team …

Dental Caries Prevalence And Age-Related Patterns Among Populations Remaining In War-Affected Regions Of Ukraine, En-Tse Yen, Sung-Hsien Chiu, Wei-De Tsai, Gen-Min Lin, Kun-Zhe Tsai

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose The ongoing war in Ukraine has severely disrupted healthcare infrastructure, limiting access to preventive and restorative dental services. Most existing studies have focused on refugees abroad, while data from civilians who remained in conflict-affected regions are scarce. This study aimed to assess dental caries experience and age-related patterns among war-affected regions of Ukraine. Materials and methods A multinational medical team, in collaboration with local health institutions, delivered humanitarian medical and dental services in conflict-affected regions of Ukraine between September 17 and September 30, 2025. We retrospectively analyzed medical records from 230 civilians aged 12–85 years, assessing substance use, oral …

A Scientometric Study On Research Trends And Characteristics Of Randomized Controlled Trials In Orthodontics, Ning Wang, Yang Yu, Linjun Shi, Zhechen Zhang, Jianwei Song

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose In evidence-based approaches to orthodontic research, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are recognized as the highest level of original evidence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of RCTs in orthodontics, with emphasis on chronological comparison and regional characteristic of the keywords. Materials and methods All the reports on RCTs in orthodontics were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2020 and Jan 2020–Jul 2025 in the analysis of research trends. Results There were 1343 reports on RCTs in orthodontics, with total citations of 27,314 and …

Domiciliary Dental Care Coverage In Taiwan: An Assessment Of Provider Participation And Geographic Distribution Using The Universal Health Coverage Framework, Chuan-Hang Yu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures access to needed health services without financial hardship. While Taiwan has achieved near-universal coverage for most medical services, domiciliary dental care (DDC) for people with mobility limitations remains poorly integrated into the UHC framework. This study assessed DDC coverage in Taiwan using the World Health Organization UHC framework. Materials and methods Publicly available 2024 data were analyzed for dental institutions, practicing dentists, DDC providers, and long-term care populations across Taiwan's six National Health Insurance (NHI) regions and 22 administrative districts. Geographic distribution was examined using provider density metrics, Lorenz curves, and Gini coefficients. Results …

Rapid Response Model For Mandibular Fractures By Community Clinic Dentists Under The National Health Insurance In Taiwan, Feng-Chou Cheng, Ling-Hsia Wang, Hsiao-Yi Chen, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Oral Health In The Children's Literacy Book “Kuei Pen Tui Hsiang Ssu Yen Tsa Tzu” From The Early Ming Dynasty, Feng-Chou Cheng, Ling-Hsia Wang, Shiang-Yao Liu, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Photobiomodulation Therapy On Neurosensory Recovery Of Infra-Alveolar Nerve Following Iatrogenic Trauma: A Literature Review, Rashin Bahrami, Maryam Pourhajibagher, Fateme Gharibpour, Amirmorteza Rezazadeh, Abbas Bahador

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Human Oral Microbiota Dysbiosis May Be A Novel Non-Invasive Indicator Of Erectile Dysfunction, Yu Qiao, Fei Mao, Bing-Ru Jiang, Shu-Yan Lv, Heng-Bing Wang, Guang-Bo Fu

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Dental Treatment And Oral Care For Patients With Severe Mental Illness Receiving Psychiatric Home-Visit Care: A Narrative Review With An Illustrative Case, Takayuki Suga, Trang Thi Huyen Tu, Yuji Gamo, Takafumi Asakura, Shigeru Iida, Akira Toyofuku

Journal of Dental Sciences

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) often have untreated caries, periodontal inflammation, tooth loss, xerostomia-related risk, dental anxiety, and delayed dental attendance. This narrative review aimed to synthesize evidence relevant to dental treatment planning for patients with SMI receiving psychiatric home-visit care and to clarify when domiciliary dental assessment and repeated professional oral care may be indicated. Targeted literature searches and citation tracking were used to identify reviews, epidemiological studies, intervention studies, qualitative syntheses, and special care dentistry guidance. The evidence indicates that oral disease in SMI reflects not only limited knowledge but also avolition, cognitive impairment, psychosis, sedation, medication-induced …

Efficacy Of Cryotherapy For Oral Leukoplakia: A Systematic Review, Chuan-Hang Yu, Tzu-Chen Chan, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the most common oral potentially malignant disorder and carries a risk of malignant transformation. Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for OL, but its efficacy and optimal dose-response remain inconsistent among various studies. This systematic review evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of cryotherapy for OL lesions and explored whether the characteristics of the lesions and treatment parameters influenced clinical outcomes. Electronic searches were performed in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Seven studies reporting original clinical outcomes of …

The Leeuwenhoek Paradox In Dental Artificial Intelligence: A Narrative Review Of Artificial Intelligence-Detected Subclinical Periapical Changes And Human-Labeled False Positives, Etyene Schnurr, Mario Parra, David M. Kim

Journal of Dental Sciences

This narrative review explores the “Leeuwenhoek Paradox,” a metaphorical and conceptual challenge that arises when artificial intelligence (AI) detects subtle periapical radiological changes that are not visible to human observers. Drawing on evidence from studies using two-dimensional and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, this review critically examined the limitations of human-centered reference standards and recurrent discrepancies in AI-based periapical detection. The literature shows that AI systems frequently detect more periapical alterations than human experts. These findings may reflect early bone changes, as indicated by CBCT-based analyses of bone density and longitudinal observations. The paradox arises because AI identifies subclinical radiographic …

Higher Serum Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody Titers Are Associated With Increased Frequencies Of Macrocytosis, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, And Hyperhomocysteinemia In Patients With Oral Lichen Planus, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Yi-Ping Wang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found 139 gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA)-positive oral lichen planus (OLP) patients (GPCA⁺OLP patients) in a group of 588 OLP patients. This study evaluated whether higher-titer (serum GPCA titer ≥ 160) GPCA⁺OLP patients had greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than lower-titer (GPCA titer ≤ 80) GPCA⁺OLP patients or 588 healthy control subjects.

Materials and methods: Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 53 higher-titer GPCA⁺OLP patients, 86 lower-titer GPCA⁺OLP patients, and …

Oral Pathogens Reprogram Endothelial Barrier And Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme2/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Nitric Oxide Signaling To Promote Blood Pressure Dysregulation, Ming-Shou Hsieh, Tung-Nien Hsu, Chin-Sheng Huang, Ting-Yi Renn, Kuang-Tai Kuo, Kuo-Yao Lin, Wei Jen Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Although periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, the endothelial mechanisms linking oral inflammation to vascular dysfunction remain unclear. We investigated whether Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) can directly disturb endothelial homeostasis and whether macrophage–endothelial crosstalk further worsens endothelial injury.

Materials and methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to Pg-LPS alone or co-cultured (transwell system) with Pg-LPS-primed human monocytic cells -derived macrophages. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed through nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, inflammatory and adhesion molecule expression, as well as junctional and cytoskeletal changes. Macrophage …

Endothelin-1 Drives Cyclooxygenase-2 And Prostaglandin E2 Expression In Osteoblasts Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase And Activator Protein-1 Signaling During Periodontal Inflammation, Fang-Yu Fan, Thi Thuy Tien Vo, Hsuan Kuo, Chien-Fu Tseng, Wei-Ning Lin, Chia-Yu Wu, Yang-Che Wu, Chuen-Mao Yang, Li-Der Hsiao, I-Ta Lee

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in inflammatory tissue responses, but its role in osteoblast-mediated inflammation during periodontal inflammation remains unclear. This study investigated whether ET-1 induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) release in osteoblasts and explored the underlying signaling mechanisms.

Materials and methods: Murine osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated with ET-1. COX-2 protein and mRNA expression, promoter activity, and PGE₂ release were assessed by Western blotting, real-time RT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay, and ELISA, respectively. Pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown were used to examine the roles of ET_A/ET_B receptors, G_{q …}

Dental Age–Based Assessment Of Retromolar Morphology In Skeletal Class Iii Patients: Implications For Mandibular Third Molar Development, Thuy-Trang Thi Ho, Tu Manh Nguyen, Loc Minh Lu, Fang-Yu Fan, Ying-Sui Sun, Yang-Che Wu, Sheng-Wei Feng, Chien-Fu Tseng, Pao-Chang Chiang, I-Ta Lee

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: In skeletal Class III malocclusion, evaluation of mandibular third molar development is clinically important for orthodontic treatment planning, particularly in relation to posterior space conditions. This study aimed to assess the association between dental age of mandibular third molars and retromolar morphological characteristics in skeletal Class III patients.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included panoramic radiographs from 157 patients diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion based on clinical examination and lateral cephalometric analysis. Mandibular third molar development was evaluated using Demirjian mineralization stages (D–H), representing stages from crown completion to root maturation. Retromolar morphology was evaluated …

A Comprehensive Analysis And Sex-Related Differences In Root And Root Canal Anatomy In The Taiwanese Population, Ho-Sheng Chiang, Wei-Cheng Lee, Ying-Wu Chen, Ling-Yu Kung, Kuei-Yuan Chen, Ren-Yeong Huang, Yi-Shing Shieh, Yu-Chiao Wu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Root canal morphology exhibits substantial anatomical variation influenced by ethnicity and sex, which may complicate endodontic treatment if unrecognized. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate root and root canal configurations in a Taiwanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to investigate sex-related differences in canal anatomy.

Materials and methods: CBCT scans from 802 patients treated between 2022 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 18,578 teeth met the inclusion criteria. Root canal configurations were assessed for every root using Vertucci’s classification, and C-shaped canals were further categorized based on morphology. Sex-related differences were analyzed using chi-square tests. …