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Objective: The objective of the study was to elucidate the association between cranial base (Bjork‐Jarabak analysis), midsagittal cross‐sectional area of the airway in the pharyngeal region (MCSA‐PR) data and pharyngeal‐airway volume (PAV) and develop a model that could help clinicians predict PAV using two‐dimensional (2D) data (Bjork polygon and MCSA‐PR). Materials and Methods: Pre‐treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 82 women were categorized into three anteroposterior skeletal groups based on ANB angle: Class I (n = 29), 1.5° ≤ ANB≤5.1°; Class II (n = 26), ANB >5.1°; Class III (n = 27), ANB <1.5°. The Bjork polygon, MCSA‐PR data from cephalograms and PAV data from MRI scans were examined. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with pairwise comparisons conducted using the Bonferroni‐corrected Mann–Whitney U‐test for the Kruskal–Wallis test and Bonferroni‐corrected multiple comparison test for one‐way ANOVA. Forward multiple linear regression was used to create model equations for predicting PAV. Results: MCSA‐PR and anterior (N‐S) and posterior (S‐Ar) cranial‐base lengths were positively correlated with the PAV. We developed four models; three operated at the group level, and one encompassed the entire sample. Notably, all models could effectively explain the variance in the PAV data. The model for the Class I group was the strongest (adjusted R2 = 0.77). Conclusion: Our findings indicate the remarkable potential of the MCSA‐PR, N‐S and Bjork sum angles (BSA) as predictors of the PAV and the relevance of 2D cephalometric and cranial‐base parameters in predicting the three‐dimensional (3D) pharyngeal‐airway size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduced a debate-style tutorial exercise into the third-year tutorial classes with the purpose of developing the students' logic, broadening their vision and encouraging them to express their opinions in public, before an audience. The issues for debate included medical (dental) and non-medical topics. Two separate debate exercises were performed and each session concluded with an open debate. The groups' performance was evaluated by the audience, which included students and tutors. The groups received high scores; their understanding of the subjects was superior and they provided logical arguments using good presentation skills. The program appeared to have had the desired results. Thus, it was suggested that the introduction of debates into the curriculums of lower classes would be effective in teaching students new ways of thinking about problems. This would prepare them suitably for future education. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)

Controlling stem cell behavior at the material interface is crucial for the development of novel technologies in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The composition and presentation of bio-factors on a surface strongly influence the activity of stem cells. Herein, we designed an electroactive surface that mimics the initial process of trabecular bone formation, by immobilizing chondrocyte-derived plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) on its surface for rapid mineralization within 2 days. Moreover, the electroactive surface was based on the conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy), which enabled dynamic control of the presentation of PMNFs on the surface via electrochemical redox switching, further resulting in the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies. Furthermore, bone minerals with contrasting surface morphologies had differential effects on the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the surface. Together, this electroactive surface showed multifunctional characteristics, not only allowing dynamic control of PMNF presentation but also promoting the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies within 2 days. This electroactive substrate could be valuable for more precise control of stem cell growth and differentiation, and further development of more suitable microenvironments containing bone apatite for housing a bone marrow stem cell niche, such as biochips/bone-on-chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]