Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by infection with periodontopathogenic bacteria, mainly Gram-negative rods. Plasmalogen (Pls) is a specialized glycerophospholipid subtype that is known to have anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. In this study, we used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to investigate the effect of Pls on ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin gene expression induced by P.g-LPS stimulation, a typical periodontal pathogenicity factor. Gene expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR. P.g-LPS stimulation increased ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin gene expression in HUVEC. Pls pretreatment also attenuated P.g-LPS-induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that Pls may inhibit periodontal disease progression by regulating the interaction between vascular endothelial cells and immune cells via cell adhesion molecules. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 1-6)

Hinokitiol (HNK), which is known for its stress-relieving properties in living organisms and antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi, has been used in oral care products such as bath additives, toothpaste, and mouthwash, as a form of aromatherapy. This study assessed the antibacterial effects of HNK on Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) isolates from patients with dental caries. L. casei was cultured on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium, for 24 h. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of HNK against L. casei were determined using the liquid dilution method. Furthermore, the bactericidal effect of HNK on L. casei was evaluated using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence and flow cytometry. The MIC and MBC for HNK against L. casei were determined to be 12.5 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, when HNK solution was added to L. casei cultures adjusted to 106 CFU/mL at the MIC concentration, the ATP levels within the L. casei cells significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the controls after 24 h. Moreover, staining with propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescence intensity measurements using flow cytometry revealed that the addition of HNK increased the number of dead cells. In summary, HNK demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against L. casei, suggesting its potential as a plant-derived agent for the prevention of dental caries. This study highlights the potential of HNK as a component of dental care for caries prevention. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 7-11)

Dental caries is the most common disease in the human mouth, with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) being the major cariogenic bacterium. Curcumin, a natural substance extracted from plants such as turmeric, is known for its antibacterial properties. Although the antibacterial effect of curcumin against periodontal bacteria has been extensively studied, little is known about its antibacterial effect on cariogenic bacteria, specifically S. mutans. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity of curcumin on S. mutans and assess its potential as a preventive agent for cariogenic diseases. Curcumin exhibits remarkable antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria. Moreover, curcumin also inhibits the formation of S. mutans biofilms and bactericidal activity in biofilms. Furthermore, curcumin can inhibit the key virulence factors of S. mutans associated with cariogenicity. In conclusion, curcumin appears to be a new agent with anticariogenic potential, not only through the inhibition of cariogenic bacteria growth. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 13-18)

Riboflavin was evaluated as a fluorescent plaque disclosing agent with minimal visible staining under natural light. Conventional plaque disclosing agents typically use organic dyes, which leave noticeable staining and raise aesthetic concerns. In contrast, riboflavin serves as a safer and more aesthetically pleasing alternative due to its fluorescence properties and established safety as a food additive. Our study demonstrated that riboflavin effectively visualizes biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans and oral microbiota. When the oral cavity was stained with riboflavin, no significant change was observed compared to the unstained condition; however, upon exposure to blue LED light, it was confirmed that riboflavin fluoresced in the same areas as conventional organic dyes. This suggests that riboflavin enhances the visibility of dental plaque without leaving residual staining, offering a promising approach to improving oral hygiene instruction. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 19-24)

Oral candidiasis is among the most common disease in the human mouth, with Candida albicans (Ca) being the major fungus responsible. Curcumin, a natural compound extracted from plants such as turmeric, is known for its antibacterial properties. While the antibacterial effects of curcumin on periodontal bacteria have been extensively studied, its antifungal effects on candidiasis-causing fungi, particularly Ca, are less well understood. This study aims to investigate the antifungal activity of curcumin on Ca and assess its potential as a preventive agent for oral candidiasis. Curcumin exhibits remarkable antimicrobial activity in combatting oral candidiasis. Moreover, curcumin inhibits the formation of Ca biofilms and exhibits fungicidal activity within biofilms. Additionally, curcumin can inhibit the key virulence factors of Ca associated with its pathogenicity. In conclusion, curcumin appears to be a promising agent with anticandidiasis potential, not only by inhibiting fungal growth but also through other mechanisms. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 25-30)

Glycation is the non-enzymatic covalent attachment of a sugar to a protein, lipid, or nucleic acid molecule and is involved in many diseases. During disease onset and progression, it is thought that glycation end products provoke cytotoxicity. Although artificial and natural anti-glycation substances are regarded as preventive agents for glycation-induced toxicity, their properties and mechanism of action are not fully elucidated. In the current study, we focused on Connarus ruber extract, an herbal medicine that is considered effective against chronic diseases, such as diabetes and lipid disorders, and that has anti-glycation activity in vivo. We investigated whether C. ruber extract can prevent glycation-induced cytotoxicity against dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which are dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. C. ruber extract showed anti-glycation activity in vitro as well as in vivo. C. ruber extract also protected DPSCs from glycation intermediate-mediated cytotoxicity. These results indicate that C. ruber extract is a potent herbal medicine against diseases involving glycation. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 31-35)

One cytokine that plays an important role in various infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases is tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Furthermore, TNF-α is an inflammatory mediator that is central in initiating immune responses. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent inflammatory mediator involved in the severity of periodontal tissue disease by attracting and activating neutrophils to inflammatory sites. We examined the response of the human oral epithelial cell line, HSC-3, to TNF-α stimulation. TNF-α stimulation of HSC-3 enhanced IL-8 production and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Pretreatment with various MAPKs inhibitors attenuated IL-8 production, suggesting that TNF-α stimulation via the MAPKs signaling pathway enhances the production of IL-8 and may exacerbate periodontal disease. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 37-42)

The periodontopathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) has attracted significant attention because of its association with many systemic diseases. We investigated the effect of periodontopathogenic outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which function as a virulence factor of F. nucleatum, on neuronal differentiation. The effect of OMVs on neuronal growth factor (NGF)-differentiated pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) was examined using a tetrazolium dye microculture assay. The differentiation of PC12 cells treated with NGF and/or OMVs was subsequently observed under a microscope. After incubating NGF-differentiated PC12 cells with OMVs, we analyzed the expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38). OMVs inhibited PC12 cell proliferation and differentiation. NGF promoted p-CREB expression. OMVs inhibited NGF-induced enhancement of p-CREB expression. NGF also enhanced p-GSK3β, p-ERK and p-p38 expression, but not p-JNK expression. OMVs suppressed the NGF-enhanced expression of p-GSK3β, p-ERK, and p-p38. This study showed that F. nucleatum OMVs inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells, and that this inhibition is mediated in part by the downregulation of p-CREB expression. Furthermore, the inhibition of p-CREB expression was partially mediated by the suppression of p-GSK3β, p-ERK and p-p38 expression. These results suggest that F. nucleatum OMVs may suppress neuronal proliferation and differentiation. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 43-50)

Phytochemicals are propenties, non-nutritive bioactive substances that often have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone compound produced by plants of the family Murasaki-aceae, is the main active ingredient in the herbal medicine shikonin. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of shikonin on periodontal tissue using human gingival epithelial cells (epi4). The cells were treated with shikonin at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 10 μM. Optimal concentrations were determined using cell proliferation and migration as well as cytotoxicity assays. Shikonin significantly promoted epi4 proliferation and migration. A concentration of 0.01 μM was selected as optimal. An inflammatory state was induced using 1 ng/mL of human recombinant Interleukin-1 (IL-1) β. The anti-inflammatory effect of shikonin at the optimal concentration was examined based on the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, which was determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blot analysis was performed to examine Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation at 15 min after initiating stimulation using the optimal concentration of shikonin. In conclusion, shikonin exerts proliferative, migratory, and anti-inflammatory effects on epi4 cells and promotes wound healing in human gingival epithelial cells, suggesting that it may benefit periodontal healing. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 51-57)

The aim of this study was to improve the accuracy of treatment effect examinations using an intraoral scanner (IOS) for dental health guidance and basic periodontal treatment, and to facilitate patient understanding by quantifying and visualizing changes in periodontal tissue. The intraoral shape was measured using the IOS with the patient seated in a dental chair, and blood vessels of the marginal gingiva were observed using a blood flow scope. The dental chair was then moved to a horizontal position and the patient was kept in a resting state for 1 hour. Afterwards, the same measurements were retaken. The deviation of three-dimensional data from the two IOS measurements was calculated for the proximal, central, and distal marginal gingiva of each tooth, and blood flow velocity and blood vessel diameter were analyzed. The marginal gingiva after 1 hour in the resting state compared to the sitting position often showed positive deviation, representing swelling. In addition, deviation was greater for the posterior teeth and blood flow velocity was significantly faster in the horizontal position (1,598 μm/s) than in the sitting position (1,282 μm/s), although no significant difference was evident in the thickness of blood vessels. Recording in a fixed position therefore to be appears important for accurately evaluating treatment effects. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 59-66)

This study quantitatively and qualitatively clarified the changes in oral function, focusing on masticatory function, from the period of daily life to the time of hospitalization. This study included elderly patients aged 65 years who consumed three meals orally and were being treated in the rehabilitation ward of Wakakusa Tatsuma Rehabilitation Hospital. We conducted a survey on eating habits and oral function at admission and investigated factors related to masticatory ability. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis and quantification theory III. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between masticatory ability and BMI, ODK/pa/, number of occlusal teeth, and number of hospitalizations to date. Quantification theory III revealed that changes in subjective oral function, relationship with society and medical care, and changes in the oral environment and function associated with hospitalization were related to masticatory ability. The number of teeth present and the duration of hospitalization were related to masticatory ability. These findings indicate that masticatory ability is associated with oral health history and social and medical involvement. Its decline is associated with changes in oral environment and function due to hospitalization, reduced appetite and decreased food intake. Additionally masticatory ability affects physical function. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 67-79)

Development of technologies to recruit stem cells to the targeted regeneration site is highly required for successful tissue regeneration based on endogenous stem cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of controlled stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) release on the mobilization activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the behavior of bone regeneration. A gelatin nonwoven fabric (GNF) was used as the controlled release carrier of SDF-1 in this study. After evaluating the SDF-1 release profile and migration activity in vitro for rat MSCs, the GNF incorporating SDF-1 was implanted in a cranial defect of critical size. Histological analysis showed that the MSC mobilization activity of GNF incorporating SDF-1 was greater than that of GNF alone. Nevertheless, the controlled release of SDF-1 from GNF failed to induce sufficient bone regeneration. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 81-86)

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between occlusion and interproximal contact loss (ICL) by analyzing occlusal force and load distribution on adjacent teeth (AT) in 144 patients with implant-supported restorations (ISR) and no periodontal disease. ICL was defined as the ability to insert a 110 μm contact gauge without resistance. Methods: Using an occlusal force measurement system, we assessed total occlusal force, force on AT and ISR, and load distribution across the occlusal surface. Results: The ICL incidence was 21.2%, with the highest prevalence when occlusal loads were concentrated distally side on mesial AT. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that distal load concentration on mesial AT contributes to ICL, highlighting the importance of load distribution in preventing ICL in patients with ISR. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 87-92)

We investigated oral and systemic factors related to the onomatopoeia of food texture. The subjects were randomly selected from 114 patients between 53 and 89 years of age who visited Osaka Dental University Hospital for routine treatment. Based on a general examination and oral cavity survey, 5 subjects with swallowing problems were excluded. In addition, 79 denture wearers were included in the limited analysis. Patients answered a questionnaire after eating a strained type of soft azuki bean jelly. We examined factors related to food texture using logistic regression analysis, in which the outcome variable was the onomatopoeia "chunky", on a binary scale of "not applicable" and "applicable", and the explanatory variables included age, oral wetness and denture status. When the maxillary palate was covered by the palatal plate and the oral wetness was low, the onomatopoeia "chunky" was perceived to describe the texture of azuki bean jelly. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 93-101)

We investigated the effect of the alignment method on the occlusal registration of the mandibular quadrant arch model and maxillary quadrant arch model using two intraoral scanners on a jaw model based on the occlusal contact area of the premolar. Intraoral scanning was performed once for the left quadrant arch and three times for the buccal scan. The left mandibular molars were then reduced and scanned in the same manner. The alignment methods were as follows: IOS software was used to scan the dentition and the buccal scan before reduction (INN); IOS software was used to scan the dentition and buccal scan after reduction (IRR); dental CAD software was used to scan the dentition and buccal scan after reduction (CRR); and, using dental CAD software, the dentition after reduction and the buccal scan before reduction were aligned (CRN). Although the occlusal contact area was significantly larger in the IRR group and CRR group compared with the INN group, no significant difference was observed between the CRN group. The results of this study suggest that the use of buccal scan data acquired before tooth preparation is more accurate in reproducing the maxillomandibular relationship in quadrant arch scans. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 103-112)

This study aimed to clarify the oral health status and function of adults, including elderly individuals, in Vietnam. We included 147 Vietnamese residents between 20 and 90 years of age in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess sex, age, marital status, number of household members, occupation, annual income, regular dental visits, subjective health situation, and food diversity. The items evaluated included height, weight, grip strength, lower leg circumference, the oral health assessment tool, Japanese version, an oral examination, tongue coating index, oral dryness, tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), and masticatory function evaluation using glucose dissolved in the gummy jelly. The participants were divided into three groups for comparison: 20-49, 50-74, and over 75 years of age. The total number of teeth and number of functional teeth were significantly lower in the over 75 year group. Significant differences were found among the three groups with regard to food intake diversity scores. Furthermore, the tongue pressure, ODK, and glucose elution were significantly lower in the over 75 year group indicating that their oral function was significantly reduced. We concluded that it is necessary to maintain oral function and provide appropriate intervention to the aging population in Vietnam. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 113-122)

To determine whether a simulated experience of being an older adult (OSL) helps students to understand older adults, we conducted a questionnaire survey before and after the OSL. The study population comprised 109 fourth-year dental students (44 men, 65 women) in 2022. The questionnaire included 12 items on movement, 11 on perceptions of older adults, and 3 on physical function. Data were analyzed with either the Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test or the t-test. Significant differences were found in 10 items ("seeing," "identifying colors," "hearing," "stretching arms," "bending arms," "sitting," "standing," "walking," "going up stairs," and "going down stairs"), in which the students found the activities more difficult than they had estimated. Significant differences were found in six items relating to the students' perceptions of older adults ("selfish," "meddlesome," "well understood," "reserved," "annoying," and "needing assistance") indicating that positive attitudes toward older adults increased after OSL. Significant differences were found in all three items relating to physical function, suggesting that OSL effectively simulates physical function decline. Simulated experience of the physical burden of older adults through the use of experiential materials may change dental students' perceptions of older adults. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 123-132)

Periodontal surgery is an important treatment in periodontal therapy, and as it involves surgical invasion, it is difficult to avoid pain. Periodontal surgical treatment is categorised into tissue attachment therapy, resective therapy, regeneration therapy and plastic surgery. Among these, attachment therapy is one of the most widely performed and commonly employed treatments for periodontal disease. In this study, we conducted a post-operative questionnaire survey of periodontal surgery procedures using flap surgery and FGF-2 preparations, and compare and studied each item. This study found that there were significant differences in the number of days when swelling was present, discomfort, and difficulty eating between flap surgery and periodontal surgery using FGF-2 preparations, which suggests that this can be used for informing patients about periodontal surgery. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 133-139)

In situ hybridization (ISH) is an ultra-sensitive technique for analyzing gene expression at the cellular level, enabling the detection of specific genes. It is an indispensable method, particularly in studies on developmental differentiation and morphogenesis, and is also attracting attention for its clinical application to biomarker detection. We focused on periostin (POSTN), an extracellular matrix protein, and examined the histological expression patterns of POSTN mRNA, particularly pathological splicing variants, in malignant tumors, such as breast cancer and tongue cancer, to investigate the potential of novel therapies targeting POSTN. However, POSTN mRNA staining has not yet been performed on the tissues of odontogenic tumors and cysts. Therefore, we herein examined the expression patterns of POSTN mRNA in human explants of dentigerous cysts, orthokeratinized odontogenic cysts, and odontogenic keratocysts, which are commonly encountered in clinical practice, using ISH. The results obtained suggest that POSTN mRNA was mainly expressed in fibroblasts in all odontogenic cysts, and the intensity of expression appeared to vary depending on the presence of inflammation. In odontogenic keratocysts after decompression, POSTN mRNA was highly expressed in the basal cell layer. ISH enabled the cellular localization of POSTN to be identified, which was difficult by immunohistochemistry, showing the potential of its clinical application to biomarker detection not only in odontogenic cysts, but also in all diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 141-150)

The carious cavity contains a wide variety of oral microorganisms, which attempt to invade dental pulp tissue. Therefore, dental pulp tissue serves as the front line of biological defense through innate immune responses that recognize pathogen-derived molecules via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein (NOD)-1 is a type of PRR that detects γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) present in the peptidoglycan of gram-negative bacteria. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes involved in physiological remodeling of connective tissue and in inflammatory tissue destruction. Tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs) are endogenous inhibitors of MMP-1 collagenase activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of iE-DAP/NOD1 stimulation on TIMP-1 production and its signaling pathway in human dental pulp-derived fibroblasts (HDPFs). Our findings indicated that iE-DAP/NOD1 stimulation increased TIMP-1 production, reaching its peak at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. iE-DAP/NOD1 stimulation also enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK, both peaking at 5 min. U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) and SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) suppressed TIMP-1 production. Overall, these results suggest that iE-DAP/NOD1 stimulation may enhance TIMP-1 production from HDPFs through a mechanism involving the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 151-156)

We investigated the accuracy of dentofacial models used in digital dental treatment, which are referred to as virtual patients. In Experiment 1, we investigated the integration method for the dentition and face of the reference virtual patient (RVP) used in Experiment 2, and decided to use the labial surface of the maxillary anterior teeth. In Experiment 2, we compared the accuracy of the dentofacial models integrated using three different methods. An RVP was created by registering the maxillary dentition model and facial model using the labial surface of the maxillary anterior teeth. The maxillary dentition model and facial model were integrated using the extraoral scan body as the integration interface to create a study virtual patient (SVP), Face Hunter study virtual patient (FH-S), and Heges study virtual patient (HE-S) using the dental face scanner (Face Hunter, FH) and a 3D scanning application (Heges, HE). In HE, an SVP was also created using a perioral scan including dentition as the integration interface (HE-P). Registration was performed for the RVP and the three types of SVP. As indicators of the accuracy of the dentofacial model, we measured the deviation distance of the center of gravity of the maxillary dentition model, angular deviation of the frontal cant of the maxillary central incisor edge line, and angular deviation of the inclination of the maxillary dentition reference plane. We found that FH-S showed clinically acceptable accuracy. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 157-171)

Resin attachments in orthodontic treatment are applications of resin bonding technology. However, damage to the healthy enamel resulting from the hurried removal or debonding of resin attachments is a problem. We measured shear bond strength in order to examine adhesion to enamel with an experimental adhesive containing TiO₂ (5, 10, or 20 wt%), which is a photoreaction agent. Additionally, we measured shear bond strength after laser irradiation in order to examine the effects of the Nd:YAG laser on debonding of the experimental adhesive containing TiO₂. We found that the shear bond strength of the experimental adhesive containing TiO₂ to enamel decreased as TiO₂ content increased, and that the bond strength of experimental adhesive containing TiO₂ was sufficiently high. The shear bond strength of the control groups and the experimental adhesive containing TiO₂ decreased as the Nd:YAG laser irradiation time increased. At TiO₂ concentrations of 10% and 20%, resin jigs fell off the specimens with laser irradiation. The cohesion failure of enamel was not observed on the fracture surfaces after irradiation of the Nd:YAG laser. The results of this study suggest an effectiveness of the Nd:YAG laser for removing resin attachment using an experimental adhesive containing TiO₂. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 173-180)

Different standards for physical property are often mixed when evaluating commercially available swallowing control diets. We determined whether subjects were compressing food with their tongues as intended when they consumed a swallowing adjusted diet. Four types of food were used for the qualitative evaluation of tongue movement. The time from the start of tongue mastication to the first swallow (eating time) and the time when the tongue pressed against the palate (compressing time) were measured in subjects who showed compressing movements with the tongue, for all of the foods. We found that tofu had significantly longer eating and compressing times. Even within the category of tongue-compressible regulated swallowing foods, compressing and eating times were longer than for other foods, suggesting that there are foods that may not meet their desired goals. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 181-190)

UE7T-13 cells, immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering research, have the potential as a source of apoptotic bodies (ABs). Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, a simple and reproducible method to induce apoptosis, is useful for the preparation of ABs. However, there is a paucity of information on the cellular changes related to apoptosis of UV irradiation-induced UE7T-13 cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of different doses (100, 200, 300, and 400 mJ/cm2) of UV on UE7T-13 cells and analyzed the occurrence of DNA damage, cellular morphological changes, and apoptosis-induction rate for preparing ABs. The UV-irradiated group showed phosphorylated histone H2A.X (γ-H2A.X) positive, a change in cellular morphology from spindle to spherical. In addition, flow cytometry using Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) showed that apoptotic cells were most abundant at 200 mJ/cm2, while necrotic cells increased at 300-400 mJ/cm2. In addition, we collected the preliminary extracts containing ABs providing a sufficient amount of proteins from UE7T-13 cells under 200 mJ/cm2 UV conditions. These findings provide new perspectives for further understanding the mechanism of UV-induced apoptosis in UE7T-13 MSCs to the potential protocol for extracting ABs. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 191-198)

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM), including conditions such as first and second branchial arch syndrome and Goldenhar syndrome, is a congenital disorder predominantly affecting the craniofacial region and is the second most common orofacial condition following cleft lip and palate. Restoration of the mandibular morphology is particularly critical for improving occlusal function, masticatory efficiency, and aesthetic conditions. There are two different surgical approaches for the treatment of type II HFM: the use of distraction osteogenesis (DO), and conventional osteotomy combined with autologous bone grafting, with the choice often left to the surgeon's discretion. Although DO has gained popularity in recent years, it presents limitations, including prolonged periods of reduced quality of life (QOL) for patients, challenges in achieving precise occlusion, its inability to regenerate anything other than linear regenerative bone, and the need for multiple surgeries to adjust vectors. This is a case of a type II HFM patient who underwent a one-stage surgical treatment involving Le Fort I osteotomy, autologous bone grafting in combination with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSRO), and contouring surgery for aesthetic improvement. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 199-205)

Achieving long-term stability in anterior open bite cases after orthodontic treatment is well-known to be challenging. This report showcases anterior open bite patient where an acceptable interocclusal relationship was maintained for more than 10 years following active treatment. The patient was a 15-year-3-month-old girl who first visited our clinic complaining of an anterior open bite. The patient was diagnosed with skeletal maxillary prognathism with labial inclination of the upper and lower central incisors and an Angle Class II open bite. When post-treatment changes were analyzed using cephalometric tracing, we observed distal inclination of the mandibular second molar and straightening of the mandibular first molar due to flattening of the curve of Spee. Compared to the initial visit, the angle (define: MOA) between the functional occlusal plane (connecting the cusp tops of the mandibular second molar and the mandibular premolar adjacent to the mandibular first molar) and the mandibular plane approached the standard value, and the functional occlusal plane had changed from a steep inclination to a flat one. The flattening was maintained even 10 years post-orthodontic treatment. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2025; 59: 207-218)