Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Patient Care Planning ; Cephalometry

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization

Clear aligner treatment is a novel technique in current orthodontic practice. Distinct from traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners have different material features and biomechanical characteristics and treatment efficiencies, presenting new clinical challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic description of the key clinical aspects of clear aligner treatment is essential to enhance treatment efficacy and facilitate the advancement and wide adoption of this new technique. This expert consensus discusses case selection and grading of treatment difficulty, principle of clear aligner therapy, clinical procedures and potential complications, which are crucial to the clinical success of clear aligner treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Orthodontic Appliance Design ; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable ; Tooth Movement Techniques/methods* ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/instrumentation*

The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Child

Objective:This study investigates the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis (EF).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and ultrasound data of 109 EF patients seen at the center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2024. The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for EF was evaluated by comparing forearm fascia ultrasound findings among EF patients, systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and healthy controls (HC).Results:Among the 109 EF patients (male-to-female ratio 2.2︰1), the median age of onset was 36 (29, 48) years, with a median disease duration of 7 (3, 12) months. The study also included 20 SSc patients [median age 49 (35, 61) years] and 20 HC individuals [median age 48 (29, 54) years]. Ultrasound assessments of forearm fascia in EF patients revealed a median fascial thickness of 1.9 (1.4, 2.4) mm. The median fascial thickness was 0.8 (0.7, 0.9) mm in SSc patients and 0.7 (0.5, 0.9) mm in HC individuals. Fascial thickness in EF patients was greater than in SSc ( Z=-11.16, P<0.001) and HC groups ( Z=-11.87, P<0.001). There was a correlation between fascia thickness and C-reactive protein ( r=0.148, P=0.004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.143, P=0.005), and immunoglobulin G ( r=0.120, P=0.020) in EF patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 95.9% for EF diagnosis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921 and a cut-off value of 1.005 mm. Conclusion:Ultrasound detection of forearm fascial thickening (>1 mm) aids in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis, indicating that ultrasound is a supplementary diagnostic tool for EF.

Background and Aims:Hepatectomy is an important treatment option for hepatic hemangioma,and the approach has gradually shifted from traditional open surgery to laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.However,there is still no consensus on whether robotic assistance provides better treatment outcomes than laparoscopic surgery for hepatic hemangioma.Therefore,this study was performed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic hepatectomy for the treatment of hepatic hemangioma.Methods:The clinical data of 184 patients who underwent minimally invasive hepatectomy for hepatic hemangioma in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,between February 2021 and July 2024 were retrospectively collected.Among them,30 cases were in the robotic group,and 154 cases were in the laparoscopic group.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed based on baseline data such as patient demographics,tumor characteristics,and surgical resection range,with a 1∶2 matching ratio.Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups after matching.Results:After 1∶2 PSM,24 patients were in the robotic group and 48 in the laparoscopic group.Preoperative variables were well balanced between the groups(area under the ROC curve was 0.588).The robotic group had significantly shorter operative time(138 min vs.168 min,P=0.024)and hepatic hilum blocking time(25 min vs.45 min,P＜0.001)compared to the laparoscopic group.Postoperative albumin levels on day 1 and day 3 were higher in the robotic group,while transaminase levels on postoperative day 1 and day 3 were lower(all P＜0.05).However,the hospitalization cost was higher in the robotic group than that in the laparoscopic group(74 746 yuan vs.49 644 yuan,P＜0.001).No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative transfusion rate,open conversion rate,postoperative length of stay,and postoperative complication rates as well as complication severity(all P＞0.05).Conclusion:For suitable cases of hepatic hemangioma,robotic-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible treatment option.Compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery,it reduces operative time and hepatic hilum blocking time,and minimizes the impact on postoperative liver function.However,the treatment cost is higher,and selection should be based on the patient's individual needs.

Objective To investigate the effects of crocin on regulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway in lipopolysac-charide(LPS)-induced inflammatory injury and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs).Methods The hDPSCs were divided into blank group,crocin-alone treatment group,LPS group,low-concentration crocin group,high-concentration crocin group,and high-con-centration crocin+ERK/MAPK inhibitor group,and were treated with corresponding methods respec-tively.Cell proliferation was detected using the CCK-8 assay.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity was measured using an ALP activity detection kit.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by aliza-rin red S staining.The expression of inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor nec-rosis factor-α(TNF-α)]was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The ex-pression of osteogenic differentiation-related factors Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),os-teocalcin(OCN),osteopontin(OPN),and ERK/MAPK pathway proteins was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the LPS group,the proliferation ability,ALP activity,and mineralized nodule formation ability of hDPSCs in the low-and high-concentration crocin groups were enhanced.The expression levels of IL-1 β,IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased,while the protein expressions of RUNX2,OCN and OPN were increased.The ERK/MAPK signaling pathway was activated,and the changes in the high-concentration crocin group were more significant than those in the low-concentration cro-cin group(P＜0.05).Compared with the high-concentration crocin group,the high-concentration crocin+ERK/MAPK inhibitor group could reverse the effects of high-concentration crocin on hDPSC proliferation,inflammatory injury,and osteogenic differentiation(P＜0.05).Conclusion Crocin may promote the proliferation of LPS-induced hDPSCs,alleviate inflammatory injury,and promote osteogenic differentiation by activating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of circular RNA ASAP1(circASAP1)targeting microRNA-4500(miR-4500)on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells.Methods Human osteosarcoma cells(Saos-2)were selected as the experimental subjects and cul-tured in DMEM medium containing 10％fetal bovine serum while maintaining 5％CO2.The expres-sions of circASAP1 and miR-4500 in osteosarcoma tissues were detected using RT-qPCR.Saos-2 cells were transfected with si-NC(40 nmol/L),si-circASAP1(40 nmol/L),pcDNA(0.4 μg),pcDNA-circASAP1(0.4 μg),miR-NC(40 nmol/L),miR-4500 mimics(40 nmol/L),si-circASAP1+anti-miR-NC(40 nmol/L),and si-circASAP1+anti-miR-4500(40 nmol/L),respectively.Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8,colony formation assays,and flow cytometry.The interaction between circASAP1 and miR-4500 was analyzed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay.Results Compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues,the expression of circASAP1 was significantly upregulated,while that of miR-4500 was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues(P＜0.001).Compared with the si-NC group,the si-circASAP1 group exhibited significantly decreased circASAP1 expression,optical density(OD)values,and the number of cell colonies(P＜0.001).Compared with the si-NC group,the si-circASAP1 group showed significantly upregulated levels of cleaved-caspase3 protein,cleaved-caspase9 protein,and the apoptosis rate(P＜0.001).StarBase search revealed specific binding sequences between miR-4500 and circASAP1.Co-transfection of miR-4500 mimics and WT-circASAP1 significantly reduced the relative luciferase activity of the cells[(0.34±0.03)versus(0.95±0.06),t=27.280,P＜0.001].The expression of miR-4500 in the pcDNA-circASAP1 group was significantly lower than that in the pcDNA group,whereas the ex-pression of miR-4500 in the si-circASAP1 group was significantly higher than that in the si-NC group(P＜0.001).Compared with the miR-NC group,the miR-4500 group exhibited significantly in-creased miR-4500 expression,cleaved-caspase3 protein levels,cleaved-caspase9 protein levels,and the apoptosis rate,while the OD values and the number of colonies significantly decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with the si-circASAP1+anti-miR-NC group,the si-circASAP1+anti-miR-4500 group showed significantly decreased miR-4500 expression,cleaved-caspase3 protein levels,cleaved-caspase9 protein levels,and the apoptosis rate,while the OD values and the number of col-onies significantly increased(P＜0.001).Conclusion The expression of circASAP1 is increased,while that of miR-4500 is decreased in osteosarcoma tissues.Moreover,circASAP1 promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by targeting miR-4500.

Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=－4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=－7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=－13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

Objective To analyze the characteristics of MR amide proton transfer(APT)imaging and enhancement signals in benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors and to explore the value of MR APT imaging,contrast enhancement techniques,and their combined application in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients with muscular soft tissue tumors confirmed by pathology,including 13 malignant and 21 benign.All patients underwent both MR with contrast enhancement and APT imaging examinations before surgery.APT values were obtained through post-processing on an image workstation.The enhancement signal characteristics and APT values were compared between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the two techniques alone and in combination for differentiating between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors.Results There were significant differences in enhancement signal characteristics on MR and APT values between benign and malignant muscular soft tissue tumors(P<0.05).The enhancement signal of malignant tumors was more heterogeneous,with higher enhancement degree than benign tumors;the APT value of benign tumors was(2.20±0.93)%,and the APT value of malignant tumors was(3.52±0.83)%,the ROC curve analysis determined a cutoff APT value of 2.82%for malignant tumors,with a diagnostic specificity of 90.5%and sensitivity of 76.9%.The area under the curve(AUC)for MR with contrast enhancement,APT imaging,and the combination of the two techniques were 0.694,0.857 and 0.894,respectively.No significant differences were found in the diagnostic efficacy between MR with contrast enhancement and APT imaging(Z=1.587,P=0.112 6)or between APT imaging and the combination of the two tech-niques(Z=1.217,P=0.223 4),but there was significant difference between MR with contrast enhancement and the combination of the two techniques(Z=2.428,P=0.015 2).Moreover,the combination of the two techniques showed the overall highest diag-nostic efficacy.Conclusion The combined application of MR APT imaging and contrast enhancement techniques is more beneficial for the qualitative diagnosis of muscular soft tissue tumors.