The effects of alumina particle size and jet pressure on the bond strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were examined to determine the airborne particle abrasion parameters with minimal effects on PEEK and to achieve optimal bond strength, as a reference for future clinical use. An alumina particle with four particle sizes and three jet pressures was used to air-abrade PEEK. Surface roughness (R_a), morphology, chemical structure, and wettability were analyzed using a stylus profilometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and contact angle analyzer, respectively. The shear bond strength (SBS) of PEEK and dental resin cement was analyzed using a universal testing machine (n = 10). The failure modes and debonded fracture surfaces were observed using optical microscopy. Airborne particle abrasion increased the R_a and hydrophobicity of PEEK and deposited alumina residues. The SBS generally decreased after thermal cycling. A large particle size damaged the PEEK surface. The effects of different particle sizes and jet pressures on the SBS were only significant in certain groups. Adhesive failure was the main mode for all groups. Within the limitations of this study, 110 μm grain-sized alumina particles combined with a jet pressure of 2 bar prevented damage to PEEK, providing sufficient SBS and bonding durability between PEEK and dental resin cement.

With increasing aesthetic awareness and emphasis on time costs in today’s society, monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia ceramics (M-Zr) facilitate aesthetic restorations in a convenient and straightforward manner without the need for veneering porcelain to modify the color. However, the effect of abutment materials on the final color of M-Zr remains unclear. Herein, we placed Vita A1 Shade M-Zr on six different abutment materials, zirconia (Y-TZP), 3D printed composite resin (CR), dental model resin (MR), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), and cobalt–chromium alloy (Co–Cr), to evaluate their effect on the color accuracy of M-Zr. The color attributes (L*, a*, and b*) were measured using a dental spectrophotometer. The translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio, color difference (ΔE) between each background substrate and the Vita A1 Shade Guide, and chroma values (C) were calculated to evaluate the color accuracy of M-Zr. A statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s HSD tests (α = 0.05). The experimental results indicate that the TP values and contrast ratio of the M-Zr samples were 14.85 and 0.83, respectively. Co–Cr had the highest ΔE (6.08) and lowest C value (7.52); PEKK had the lowest ΔE (2.60), and PEEK had the highest C value (12.23) (p < 0.05). Notably, the ΔE values of CR (3.13), PEEK (2.86), and PEKK were within clinical indicators (ΔE < 3.7). Based on these results, it can be concluded that the abutment material has a significant effect on the final color of the M-Zr, and PEEK or PEKK resulted in good color accuracy. When choosing the dental MR, traditional zirconia, or metals as abutment materials, colored or opaque cement might be required to eliminate color distortion and achieve desirable optical properties.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to its heterogeneity and intrinsic drug resistance. Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) provide diverse tumor cell populations ideal for studying these complexities. Although chemotherapy and targeted therapies can be initially effective, subpopulations of cancer cells with phenotypic plasticity often survive treatment, eventually developing resistance. Here, we integrated single-cell isolation and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture to dissect subclonal heterogeneity and drug responses, aiming to inform precision medicine approaches. Using A549 lung cancer cells, we established a cisplatin-resistant line and isolated three resistant subclones (Holoclone, Meroclone, Paraclone) via single-cell sorting. In 3D spheroids, Docetaxel and Alimta displayed higher IC50 values than in 2D cultures, suggesting that 3D models better reflect clinical dosing. Additionally, MPE-derived Holoclone and Paraclone subclones exhibited distinct sensitivities to Giotrif and Capmatinib, revealing their heterogeneous drug responses. Molecular analyses confirmed elevated ABCB1, ABCG2, cancer stem cell (CSC) markers (OCT4, SOX2, CD44, CD133), and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin downregulation, increased Vimentin, N-cadherin, Twist) in resistant subclones, correlating with enhanced migration and invasion. This integrated approach clarifies the interplay between heterogeneity, CSC/EMT phenotypes, and drug resistance, providing a valuable tool for predicting therapeutic responses and guiding personalized, combination-based lung cancer treatments.

This study aims to investigate the shear bonding strength (SBS) and thermal cycling effect of orthodontic brackets bonded with fluoride release/rechargeable LiAl-F layered double hydroxide (LDH-F) contained dental orthodontic resin. 3% and 5% of LDH-F nanopowder were gently mixed to commercial resin-based adhesives Orthomite LC (LC, LC3, LC5) and Transbond XT (XT, XT3). A fluoroaluminosilicate modified resin adhesive Transbond color change (TC) was selected as a positive control. Fifteen brackets each group were bonded to bovine enamel and the SBS was tested with/without thermal cycling. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was evaluated at 20× magnification. The fluoride-releasing/rechargeability and cytocompatibility were also evaluated. The SBS of LC, LC3, and LC5 were significantly higher than XT and TC. After thermal cycling, the SBS of LC, LC3, and LC5 did not decrease and was significantly higher than TC. The changes of ARI scores indicate that failure occurred not only cohesive but also semi-cohesive fracture. The 30 days accumulated daily fluoride release of LC3, LC5, and TC without recharge are higher than 300 μg/cm². The LDH-F contained resin adhesive possesses higher SBS compared to positive control TC. Fluoride release and the rechargeable feature can be achieved for preventing enamel demineralization without cytotoxicity.

Augmented reality (AR) is gaining popularity in medical applications, which may aid clinicians in achieving improved clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the positional and angle errors of orthodontic miniscrew placement by using a self-developed AR aided system. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and patient printed models were used in in vitro experiments. The participants were divided into a control group and an AR group, in which traditional orthodontic methods and the AR-aided system were used respectively. After the information obtained from the CBCT images and navigation system was combined on the display device, the AR-aided system indicated the planned miniscrew position to guide the clinicians during the placement of miniscrews. Both methods were compared by a senior and a junior dentist, and the position and angle of miniscrew placement were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests. When the AR-aided system was used, the accuracy of miniscrew placement in the mesiodistal position considerably increased (83%) when the procedure was performed by a senior clinician. In addition, the accuracy of miniscrew placement in the mesiodistal position and the angle of miniscrew placement considerably increased by approximately 67% and 72%, respectively, when the procedure was performed by a junior clinician. The position error of miniscrew placement was smaller for the junior clinician when the AR-aided system was used than for the senior clinician. The AR-aided system improved the accuracy of miniscrew placement regardless of the clinician's level of experience.

An effective approach for assessing masticatory function is necessary. The goal of this study was to establish an efficient method for evaluating mandibular border movements in patients after functional anterior crossbite was corrected. Five patients with functional anterior crossbite were included in this study. They were treated with edgewise appliance and improved super-elastic nickel-titanium archwire. The digital images were collected before and after anterior crossbite was corrected. The trajectory paths of mandibular border movement were evaluated on both the frontal and sagittal planes. When the mandibular border movement paths were analyzed on the frontal plane for the vertical displacement, significant increases in the maximum left- and right-lateral movements were observed. For the horizontal displacement, although decreasing trends were observed in the maximum mouth opening and protrusive movements, no significant difference was detected. However, horizontal displacements were generally greater in men than in women. When the mandibular border movement paths were analyzed on the sagittal plane, significant increases in all the vertical and horizontal displacements were observed at all border movements, except the maximum mouth opening. However, if the data were compared between men and women, significant difference was shown only in the horizontal displacement of the maximum protrusion. On both the frontal and sagittal planes, after correction of the anterior crossbite there are increases in vertical and horizontal displacements at all kinds of mandibular border movements except for the horizontal displacements at the maximum mouth opening and the maximum protrusion.