Digital Commons Network^™

Organoid In Dentistry: Models For Oral Biology And Disease, Wei-Jen Chang, Tomomi Sano, Ting-Yi Renn, Takashi Kanematsu, Ming-Shou Hsieh, Chia-Chen Hsu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Cell lines and animal models have long been used as essential tools in studies targeting the oral cavity, offering valuable insights into various oral diseases. Each of these research models provides its advantages, such as ease of manipulation in cell lines and the ability to replicate whole–organ interactions in animal models. However, conventional models often have limited native phenotypic features, which do not fully capture the complexity of the human oral cavity. In response to these limitations, organoid technologies have recently been developed and emerged as a promising alternative. Organoids, which are widely applied to mimic the complexity of …

Exploring The Correlation Between Dental Procedures And Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex, Chun-Pin Lin, Tsao-Li Chuang, Yu-Ting Li, Tai-Wei Feng, Hao-Hueng Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background /purpose: The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) is a brainstem reflex characterized by sudden reductions in heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) following trigeminal nerve stimulation. Although well-documented in other surgical fields, its role during dental procedures remains unclear. This study examined the association between routine dental interventions and TCR using an experimental animal model. Materials and methods This study presented a comprehensive analysis of physiological monitoring data obtained during a series of animal experimental surgeries conducted by our research team between 2016 and 2023. Changes in HR and MABP during routine dental procedures were evaluated using …

Exploring Gender-Specific Prognostic Factors And Survival Outcomes In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Insights From A Taiwanese Cohort, Shih-Jung Cheng, Hui-Hsin Ko, Fang-Yu Wu, Hsiang-Fong Kao, Wender Lin, Ya-Syuan Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background /purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy in Taiwan, with sex-specific variations in risk factors, clinical presentation, and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of a larger cohort of male and female OSCC patients treated at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) between 2012 and 2022. Materials and methods A retrospective review of 240 de-identified, sex- and age-matched OSCC patients was conducted, analyzing clinicopathological characteristics, lifestyle habits (alcohol, betel quid, smoking), and survival outcomes. Results Gender differences were observed in tumor location, with males more likely to have buccal mucosa …

Ubiquitin-Like With Phd And Ring Finger Domains 1 As A Potential Therapeutic Target In Smoking-Associated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Yi-Shing Shieh, Jia-Rong Wu, Che-Ting Yeh, Chu-Yen Chien, Ying-Chen Chen, Tsai-Wang Huang, Che-Yi Lin, Alexander Cheng-Ting Hsieh, Yi-Jen Hung

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Epigenetic dysregulation, particularly involving the ubiquitin-like with phd and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), is increasingly recognized in cancer progression. However, the role of UHRF1 in OSCC and its regulation by cigarette smoking remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether cigarette smoking influences UHRF1 expression in OSCC. Materials and methods UHRF1 expression was analyzed in OSCC tissues using publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Quantitative PCR and western blotting were employed to evaluate UHRF1 levels in OSCC …

Impacts Of Surface Characteristics On Biological Responses And Biofilm Formation Of 3d-Printed Denture Base Resins: An In Vitro Study, Tzu-Yu Peng, Chien-Fu Tseng, Chia-Chih Sung, Ya-Ting Yang, Fen-Ni Chen, Yuichi Mine, Yao-Chang Chiang, Zih-Chan Lin, Mei-Ling Fang, Hsin-Ming Chen, Sang-Heng Kok

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose With advancements in digital technology, fully digital workflow for complete denture fabrication using 3D-printed denture base resin (DBR) has gained increasing clinical acceptance in recent years. However, the surface characteristics, biocompatibility, and biofilm formation of 3D-printed DBR materials remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated and analyzed these aspects. Materials and methods Disk-shaped DBR specimens (Ø 2.5 mm, 3 mm thick) were fabricated using packed (PA), milled (ML), and 3D-printed (3D) processes. All specimens were ground with silicon carbide sandpaper (#600) and ultrasonically cleaned. Surface microtopography and sub-micron roughness were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and …

In Vitro Evaluation Of Novel Composite Bioceramic Filaments For Alveolar Bone Regeneration, Hao-Hueng Chang, Yu-Ting Li, Ju-Hsuan Yang, Yu-Hsin Chang, Chun-Pin Lin

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Alveolar bone defect repair remains a major clinical challenge in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. This study developed 3D-printable composite filaments combining polylactic acid (PLA) with bioceramic powders and evaluated their physicochemical properties and in vitro osteogenic potential for alveolar bone graft applications. Materials and methods Filaments were fabricated via hot processing and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent casting, blending PLA with hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) at a 7:3 ratio. Four groups, H-PLA (heated PLA), H-MIX (heated PLA with HA/β-TCP), T-PLA (THF-processed PLA), and T-MIX (THF-processed PLA with HA/β-TCP) groups, underwent material characterization such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy …

The Mesial–Mesial/Distal–Distal (Mm-Dd) Occlusal Adjustment Technique: A 2–21.5-Year Retrospective Study On Preventing Open Contacts In Posterior Implant Restorations, Chiun-Lin Steven Liu, Shih-Cheng Wen, Ching-Jung Chang Chien, Je-Kang Du

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Open contacts adjacent to posterior dental implants are a common clinical complication, often resulting in food impaction, discomfort, and periodontal deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness of the mesial–mesial/distal–distal (MM-DD) occlusal adjustment technique in preventing open contacts adjacent to posterior implant restorations. Materials and methods This retrospective study analyzed 124 single-tooth posterior implants in 100 patients over a 2–21.5-year follow-up period. The MM-DD technique involved selectively modifying occlusal contacts on the mesial occlusal surface of the mesial adjacent tooth and the distal occlusal surface of the distal adjacent tooth to influence mesial tooth movement …

Development Of Zinc Partially-Stabilized Cement Carrying Growth Factor And Anti-Inflammatory Drug For Vital Pulp Therapy, Chun-Pin Lin, Tsao-Li Chuang, Chih-Chun Chang, Chun-Liang Yeh

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is recognized as the gold standard for vital pulp therapy. However, its clinical utility is limited by prolonged setting and poor handling characteristics. To overcome these drawbacks, the zinc-containing partially-stabilized cement (ZnPSC), a modified silicate cement, was developed. In this study, the ZnPSC was functionalized with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aspirin to enhance its potential as an effective pulp capping material. Materials and methods The ZnPSC cements (5 %,7 %, or 10 % of Zn) were combined with poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) 1 % or 2 % as a carrier system for VEGF …

Evaluation Of An Anti-Snoring Device Featuring A Ni–Ti Alloy Elastic Linkage In A Simulated Clinical Environment, Chun-Pin Lin, Ming-Sung Hsu, Tung-Lin Tsai, Shih-Jung Cheng, Yu-Sheng Lin, Li-Wen Weng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that is often treated by mandibular advancement devices (MADs). However, conventional MADs are frequently associated with discomfort, rigidity, and limited patient compliance. This study aimed to design and evaluate a custom-made anti-snoring device featuring a nickel-titanium (Ni–Ti) alloy elastic connector to improve comfort, durability, and clinical performance. Materials and methods The device consisted of dual-layer upper and lower trays and was connected via Ni–Ti alloy rods. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to compare the stress and deformation characteristics of three materials (Ni–Ti, stainless steel, and polycarbonate). Fatigue …

A Scientometric Study On Research Trends And Characteristics Of Halitosis, Xiaole Liu, Ye Zhang, Qingqing Liu, Chengsu Hou, Ling Xu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose Halitosis is a condition characterized by unpleasant odors originating from the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of halitosis. Materials and methods All the papers on halitosis were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2015 and after 2015 in the analysis of research trends. Results There were 1252 papers on halitosis, with total citations of 26,932 and the h index of 76. Poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis, dental caries, xerostomia, periodontics, and smoking were halitosis-related conditions. The trend …

Evaluating Communication And Clinical Skills In Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Osce) Using A Low-Cost Neck-Mounted Device, Insights From A First-Person Perspective, Chao-An Chen, Yu Ching Liu, I-Ching Liao, Ching-Yi Wu, Chung-Han Ho, Chih-Hao Lu, Kuan-Liang Chen

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose This study used a neck-mounted mobile phone from a first-person perspective to record the performance of dental interns in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to evaluate the effectiveness of video feedback and to assess medical communication and clinical skills. Materials and methods Standardized patients wore neck-mounted mobile phones to record the examination process from a first-person perspective (FPP). Pre- and post-test questionnaires measuring anxiety, impacts on communication skills and performance, distraction, technical challenges, feedback received from video, and educational value of the neck-mounted phones were completed by dental interns. The questionnaires were scored on a four-point scale …

Unlocking Human-Robot Dynamics In Restaurants: Exploring The Mechanisms Underlying The Impacts Of Service Robots’ Social Cues On Restaurant Customer Behaviors, Yusi Cheng

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The rise of service robots (SRs) is reshaping service delivery, particularly in the dining sector where guiding and delivering robots are increasingly prevalent. However, understanding how customers interact with SRs and respond to their social cues in the dining environment remains unclear and fragmented. This dissertation aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively understanding the social cues of SRs and their influences on customer behaviors. Specifically, the objectives are to (1) understand prominent social cues and customer responses; (2) identify key SR-related social cues; (3) explore customer-SR interaction outcomes; (4) explain why certain social cues elicit particular customer responses; (5) …

Mechanistic Insights Into The Antimicrobial Action Of Fungus-Derived Xanthoquinodins Against Clostridioides Difficile, Erika A. Serravalle

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The bacterial pathogen Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic- and healthcare-associated diarrhea, imposing significant clinical and economic impacts. The emergence of hypervirulent strains, such as PCR ribotype 027 (RT027), has exacerbated disease severity, recurrence rates, antibiotic resistance, and epidemiological spread. Expanding resistance profiles among C. difficile strains continue to limit the effectiveness of current IDSA-SHEA recommended therapies, which are already compromised by high recurrence rates due to antibiotic-induced disruption of the gut microbiota. These challenges highlight the urgent clinical need to identify and characterize antimicrobial compounds targeting alternative pathways in C. difficile physiology. We report the discovery and …

Media Power And Racial Representation: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Football Player, Tyreek Hill’S Police Encounter, Paulina Serwaa Gyamfi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis critically examines how mainstream media outlets construct and perpetuate racial narratives through their coverage of high-profile incidents involving Black public figures. Using the case study of NFL player Tyreek Hill’s encounter with Miami-Dade police on September 8, 2024, the research employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) to analyze news articles from six major outlets: The New York Times, NBC News, CBS News, ESPN, Fox News and CNN. The study explores how language choices, framing techniques, and contextual elements in media reporting influence public perceptions of race, celebrity and criminal justice. Findings reveal that while …

Children’S Outdoor Play Injuries: How Real Are Parental Concerns Of Danger In Outdoor Play?, Fiona Armstrong, David Gaul

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Risky play can be defined as any play that is thrilling or exciting, involving risk of injury [Sandseter, E. B. H. (2007). Categorising risky play—How can we identify risk-taking in children's play? European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 15(2), 237–252.]. Risky play has been associated with danger and increased risk of injury, yet there is limited evidence relating to the prevalence of injuries because of play, with existing data mainly related to home and sports-related injuries [Gilmartin, S., Barrett, M., Bennett, M., Begley, C., Ni Chroinin, C., O’Toole, P., & Blackburn, C. (2022). The effect of national public health measures …

Camellia Sinensis Phytochemical Profiling, Drug-Likeness, And Antibacterial Activity Against Gram-Positive And Gram-Negative Bacteria: In Vitro And In Silico Insights, Farouk Boudou, Amal Belakredar, Ahcene Keziz, Huda Alsaeedi, David Cornu, Mikhael Bechelany, Ahmed Barhoum

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background: Camellia sinensis extracts have a rich phytochemical profile and therapeutic properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds, such as catechins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Aim: To investigate the bioactive potential of a Camellia sinensis extract, particularly its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and its drug-like properties. Method: Phenolic compounds in C. sinensis extract were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Its antibacterial activity was assessed against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). Drug-likeness, toxicity, and molecular properties …

Ex Vivo Spectroscopic Characterisation Of The Biological Activity Of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid, Outmane Bouzerda, Laura E. Kane, Gregory S. Mellotte, Barbara M. Ryan, Stephen G. Maher, Olivier Piot, Aidan D. Meade

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

Imi—2025 Digest, Nina Tahhan, Mark A. Bullimore, Xiangui He, Lisa A. Ostrin, Timothy J. Gawne, Kate L. Gifford, Pauline Kang, Ian Morgan, Aude Couturier, Kyoko Ohno-Matsui, Nicola S. Logan, Ian Flitcroft

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

As myopia research expands in scope and complexity, the International Myopia Institute (IMI) continues to provide timely, evidence-based consensus guidance through its biennial white papers and digests. The IMI 2025 Digest delivers targeted updates in areas identified for revision since the previous digest: definitions and classification of myopia, clinical management guidelines, risk factors, accommodation and binocular vision, experimental models, and onset and progression in young adults. A major focus is the evolving concept of pre-myopia, including a refined understanding of hyperopic reserve as a predictive marker, population-specific thresholds, and the distinction between risk and predictive factors. Emerging evidence supports earlier …

Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport: Risk Assessment In Collegiate Female Athletes Using The Reds Cat2 Tool, Kelsea Elizabeth Nunes

All Master's Theses

Context: Alterations in energy intake (EI) and high exercise energy expenditure (EEE) may increase the risk of low energy availability (LEA) in Division II female collegiate ball sport athletes. Furthermore, chronic LEA can transition to problematic LEA, leading to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the current severity and prevalence of REDs using the REDs CAT2 Tool and the Female Athlete Triad using the FAT CRA in Division II collegiate female volleyball, basketball, soccer, and rugby athletes.

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants …

Towards Supporting Undergraduate Students To Become Lifelong Learners: A Multimethod, Multimodal, And Multigranular Analysis Of Motivation And Self-Regulated Learning In Context, Sierra Outerbridge

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This publication-based dissertation includes three manuscripts with distinct statistical methods to investigate self-reported motivation, self-reported self-regulated learning (SRL), and enacted SRL processes in undergraduate student contexts towards understanding how students learn how they learn.

The first manuscript focused on 1248 undergraduate statistics students, utilized self-reported motivation, and interpreted logfile data of time spent within an online textbook through the lens of SRL using hierarchical cluster analysis followed by k-means cluster analysis to identify four distinct motivation clusters. Results from a repeated measures ANOVA suggest that students did not spend time differently within the textbook, whereas there were differences between motivation …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Chalcones As Treatment For Negative Sense Single Stranded Rna Viruses And Applications As Broad-Spectrum Antivirals, Lorael Kirton

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Chalcones are a class of compounds naturally found in plants and are predicated upon a 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one scaffold. Chalcones possess many biological activities ranging from anticancer to antiviral activities. This thesis investigates the broad-spectrum antiviral properties of chalcones. Some chalcones have been reported to affect host cell mechanisms such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade or the cell cycle to reduce viral replication. Previously, a series of chalcones 8 were synthesized and investigated in human cytomegalovirus virus (HCMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, ten new chalcones predicated upon the design of 8 were synthesized and a …

Fructose Induces Metabolic Changes Distinctly Different From Glucose In A N2a Cell Line., Catherine A. Ghigleri

All Master's Theses

Over the last 50 years, there has been a rise in diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias associated with metabolic stress. This parallels an increase in fructose consumption and has led to research on the effects of fructose on the hippocampus, a brain structure responsible for learning and long-term memory formation. The hippocampus is also a region of the brain that metabolizes fructose. Experiments using animals fed diets containing fructose have shown a correlation between fructose consumption, learning impairment, and structural changes to the hippocampus in animals’ brains. However, the effects of fructose on hippocampal neurons have not been …

Scalable Parallel-In-Time Integration For Equations Of Motion, Nathan W. Chapman

All Master's Theses

Physical simulations always need to balance accuracy and run-time. This work implements the Parareal Algorithm using graphics processing units across a distributed system to accurately simulate time-dependent physics while attempting to minimize runtime. Data-transfer latency is identified as the primary bottleneck, for which mitigation methods are provided. Benchmarks comparing single-GPU and distributed implementations on a spectrum of coarse and fine discretizations are analyzed.

Adaboost-Based Classification For Bone Sarcoma Outcome Prediction: A Comparative Machine Learning Approach, El-Sayed M. El-Kenawy, Ahmed Mohamed Zaki, Marwa M. Eid

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Bone sarcomas represent aggressive malignancies with complex clinical presentations where traditional prognostic methods often lack precision in predicting patient outcomes. This study developed and validated machine learning models for predicting bone sarcoma patient outcomes using a comprehensive dataset from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center spanning 2010-2020, comparing multiple algorithms including AdaBoost, Logistic Regression, Ridge Classifier, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, and Linear Discriminant Analysis. AdaBoost demonstrated superior performance with 0.84 accuracy, 0.875 sensitivity, 0.7955 specificity, 0.8448 precision, 0.8333 negative predictive value, and 0.8596 F1 score, outperforming other algorithms which achieved 0.83 accuracy and 0.8496 F1 score. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between …

Effective Policy Implementation And (Trans)Forming The K-12 Education (Cis)Tem, Megan Carlson Murray

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research addresses the critical need for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) students within K-12 public schools, recognizing the detrimental effects of overlooking their unique needs. Current policies often fail to address these needs adequately, leading to mental health challenges and negative educational outcomes. The study aims to identify the key factors influencing the successful implementation of transgender-supportive policies in schools. A review of current research underscores the importance of challenging existing gender-binary norms and promoting inclusivity for TGNC students. By creating affirming spaces and addressing systemic barriers, schools can foster a safe and supportive environment for TGNC youth, …

Initial Validation Of The Measure Of Practical Existential Wellbeing, Bryant L. Moore

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

According to the theory of existential psychology, all humans experience existential anxiety, a negative feeling that results from the understanding of certain unavoidable truths. If left unchecked, existential anxiety can lead to symptoms of mental illness. Much work has been done to explore and measure existential anxiety, but little has focused on protective factors within existential theory. This dissertation proposes the construct of existential wellbeing, representing protective factors corresponding to different existential domains. To assess this construct, a new instrument, the Measure of Practical Existential Wellbeing (MPEW), was developed, distributed, and analyzed in relation to other established measures. The MPEW …

Becoming And Belonging: Exploring Teachers’ Insights On Community Interest And Engagement In Waldorf Middle School Students, Monica Laurent

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research explores how Waldorf middle school teachers experience, perceive, and support the development of community interest, engagement, and belonging among the early adolescence years of middle school. Adolescence, particularly ages 11 to 14, is a period of profound developmental transition characterized by intense emotionality, evolving identity, increased peer influence, and growing social complexity. Rudolf Steiner’s philosophical and pedagogical framework positions this stage as a time that leads to the birth of the astral or feeling body, contributing to new levels of self-awareness and the emergence of individuality, the beginning of critical thinking, and moral judgment. This period is also …

Educational Games For Science Learning: A Teacher`S Toolkit For Board And Card Games To Support Active Science Learning, Kiran Qasim Ali, Wadhwani Nimarta, Ruby Bano

Books

This booklet aims to restore science education to its roots in inquiry and exploration. By incorporating play into science teaching, it seeks to rekindle the interest and engagement that conventional methods frequently diminish. Play is not a mere break from learning; it involves experimentation, decision- making, and discovery - processes that are essential both to childhood and to understanding science.
The games presented here connect curriculum goals with interactive, purposeful activities. They provide teachers with structured yet flexible tools to promote active learning, deepen conceptual understanding, and foster student participation. Each game reflects the realities of local classrooms while offering …

Unmasking The Nexus Of Race, Ethnicity, And Health: An Intersectional Analysis Of The Epistemology Of Race In Medicine, Medical Curricula, And Health Disparities, Antoinette Leonard-Jean Charles

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The persistent health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States are deeply rooted in systemic racism embedded within medical education and clinical practice. Historical acceptance of racial supremacy in the United States has shaped both the foundations and continued practices of medical education, leading to entrenched biases that affect healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This dissertation critically examines the intersection of race, education, and health by analyzing how historical and contemporary understandings of race and ethnicity shape medical curricula, healthcare practices, and patient care. Through the integration of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Social …

They Forgot We Were Seeds: Critical Counter-Narratives Supporting Culturally Informed Community Seed Work, Florentina Rodriguez

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This Professional Innovation dissertation utilizes Critical Counter-Narrative both as research methodology to generate narrative reflections and as praxis for liberatory transformation. Through research vignettes adapted from the author’s experience with critical collaborative autoethnographic seed work, this study produced critical counter-narratives aimed at addressing inequities in small-scale seed systems. These counter-narratives were incorporated into curriculum materials synthesized as an educational toolkit for a professional research

sister-project: the new Culturally Informed Community Seed Pledge and Code of Ethics (CICSP/COE). This project seeks to address disparity and extractive practices; outline relational pathways for reciprocity and respecting communities of origin; and provide evaluation metrics …