Digital Commons Network^™

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. …

The Presence Of Thyroid Autoantibodies Is Not Associated With Anemia, Hematinic Deficiencies, And Hyperhomocysteinemia In Oral Lichen Planus Patients, Yi-Pang Lee, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Yi-Ping Wang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found that 144 of 588 oral lichen planus (OLP) patients have thyroglobulin antibody (TGA) and/or thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMA) but do not have gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA, designated as thyroid autoantibodies-positive OLP or TA⁺OLP patients). To test the role of thyroid autoantibodies in causing microcytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in OLP patients, this study assessed whether 144 TA⁺OLP patients had significantly higher frequencies of microcytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 588 healthy control subjects (HCSs) or 305 TGA/TMA/GPCA-negative (Abs^–) OLP patients (designated as Abs^–OLP patients). …

Modulation Of Osteoclast Differentiation By Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (Egcg)/Type I Collagen–Coated Titanium Implant Surface In Vitro, Her-Hsiung Huang, Yu-Ying Cheng, Chia-Fei Liu, Wei-Cheng Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Implant osseointegration depends not only on osteogenesis but also on coordinated bone remodeling. Our previous study demonstrated that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)/type I collagen–coated titanium (Ti) surfaces enhance angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. However, their influence on osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. This study evaluated the modulatory effects of this coating on osteoclast responses in vitro.

Materials and methods: Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) Ti surfaces followed by alkaline treatment (SLAA) were prepared. Type I collagen was immobilized onto SLAA surfaces using the natural crosslinker EGCG (10 or 50 μg/mL). Surface morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity, and functional groups were characterized. RAW 264.7 macrophages …

Influence Of All-On-4 Implant Angles On Stability And Crestal Bone - A Finite Element Optimization Analysis,, Jing-Jie Chen, Chen-Sheng Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Comparative Effects Of Plasma Activation And Monomer Infiltration On The Surface Characteristics And Wettability Of 3d-Printed Permanent Crown Resin,, Pyi Phyo Win, Szu-Yu Lai

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Risk Factors For Surgical-Site Infections In Oral Cancer Patients With Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction–A Retrospective Study In A Single Medical Center In Taiwan, Pei-Yin Chen, Yu-Wei Chiu

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Characterization Of Tooth-Derived And Dentin-Derived Graft Particles: Comparative Analysis Of Particle Size, Mineral Composition, And Cytotoxicity, Vinh Quang Luu, Nhan Duc Le

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Daisaikoto Restores Mitochondrial Function And Suppresses Inflammation Induced By Periodontal Bacteria-Derived Lipopolysaccharides, Suzuka Tozawa, Kazuo Tomita

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Craniofacial And Dental Arch Morphological Changes In Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion, Yu-Hao Liu, Yu-Shu Huang, Yi-Jing Hwang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Deciphering Novel Targets In Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma By Integrating Plasma Proteomics And Parotid Transcriptomics Analyses, Yuchen Fan, Suning Mao

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Integrating Image Processing And Deep Learning Framework For Automatic Supernumerary Tooth Detection On Occlusal Radiographs, Jui-An Fu, Chia-Lin Hsu

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Activities Of Dental Hygienists Registered In The Disaster Relief System Of The Japan Dental Hygienists’ Association In The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Hitomi Suzuki, Kumiko Sugimoto

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Risk Of Pneumonia And Mortality After Routine Dental Scaling In Patients With Moderate-To-Severe Cerebral Palsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study, Li-Wei Ou-Yang, Ya-Ting Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Strategy Of Allying General Dentistry Staffs Into Pre-Anesthetic Dental Assessment Reduces Perioperative Dental Injury Risk During General Anesthesia, Cheng Lu, Mei-Chun Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Psychophysiological Recovery From Viewing Nature And Urban Settings: A Multisite Replication, A. E. Van Den Berg, K. Dijkstra, D. Meuwese, F. Beute, P. M. Darcy, S. Dewitte, B. Gatersleben, C. J. Gidlow, C. M. Hägerhäll, J. A. Hipp, Y. Joye, Y. A.W. De Kort, S. C.M. Lechner, C. Neale, Sang Ode Sang, J. Roe, D. T. Scheepers, K. Smolders, H. Staats, R. S. Steensma, K. J. Wyles, S. L. Koole

School of Psychology

The idea that merely viewing nature can promote stress recovery has profound societal implications, driving the use of nature imagery in the design of environments where access to real nature is limited. Scientific support for this concept originates from a pioneering study by Ulrich et al. (1991), which demonstrated superior psycho-physiological stress recovery during exposure to nature videos compared to urban videos. Despite its influence, this foundational study has never been systematically replicated. To address this gap, ten research teams across the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Sweden, and the USA collaborated on a multisite replication. A final sample of 959 …

Does In-Bed Cycling Delivered Within 48 Hours Of Mechanical Ventilation, Reduce The Occurrence Of Delirium In Critically Ill Patients: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol, Jacqueline Bennion, Mark Hudson, Mary Hickson, Victoria Allgar, Bridie Kent, David Mcwilliams, Daniel Martin

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric clinical state presenting as an acute onset of cognitive deficits. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), have the highest incidence (50%–80%) of delirium amongst patients admitted to intensive care units. Preliminary data indicates that early mobilisation is associated with reduced delirium in critically ill patients. However, definitive evidence is lacking. Current practice varies due to many barriers to patients, who require IMV, receiving early mobilisation interventions. In-bed cycling may address some of these barriers. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of early in-bed cycling to reduce delirium in critically ill patients. …