Browsing by Author "Utreja, Achint"

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    Accuracy of Orthodontic Soft Tissue Prediction Software between Different Ethnicities
    (2019) Stewart, Kelton; Patel, Pranali; Eckert, George; Rigsbee III, OH; Hughes, Jay; Utreja, Achint
    Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the soft tissue prediction module of Dolphin Imaging Software (DIS) in patients requiring extractions as part of the orthodontic treatment plan and compare its accuracy between different ethnicities. Materials and Methods: Initial and final records of 57 patients from three ethnic groups (African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics) who completed orthodontic treatment were included for assessment. The identified cases were managed non-surgically with dental extractions. A predictive profile was generated using DIS and compared to post-treatment lateral photographs. Actual and predictive profile photographs were compared using five designated parameters. The assessment parameters were evaluated using a manual protractor. ANOVA was used to compare differences between actual and predicted parameters between the specified groups and ICC was used to assess correlations between the data. Results: Neither ethnicity nor gender had a significant effect on the difference between predicted and final values. No significant difference was noted between the predicted and final images for the nasolabial angle. Significant differences were observed for the mentolabial fold, upper lip to E-line, and lower lip to E-line between predicted and actual images. Additionally, soft tissue convexity was significantly different (p=0.019). Additionally, a clinically significant difference was found for the mentolabial fold. Conclusion: Ethnicity and gender had no impact on the accuracy of predicted and actual image parameters. Overall, DIS demonstrated acceptable accuracy when simulating soft tissue changes after extraction therapy. Additional research on the accuracy of the software is warranted.
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    Cell and matrix response of temporomandibular cartilage to mechanical loading
    (Elsevier, 2016-02) Utreja, Achint; Dyment, Nathaniel A.; Yadav, Sumit; Villa, Max M.; Li, Yingcui; Jiang, Xi; Nanda, Ravindra; Rowe, David W.; Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, School of Dentistry
    OBJECTIVES: The generation of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) has greatly aided our understanding of the development of connective tissues such as bone and cartilage. Perturbation of a biological system such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) within its adaptive remodeling capacity is particularly useful in analyzing cellular lineage progression. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) if GFP reporters expressed in the TMJ indicate the different stages of cell maturation in fibrocartilage and (ii) how mechanical loading affects cellular response in different regions of the cartilage. DESIGN/METHODS: Four-week-old transgenic mice harboring combinations of fluorescent reporters (Dkk3-eGFP, Col1a1(3.6 kb)-GFPcyan, Col1a1(3.6 kb)-GFPtpz, Col2a1-GFPcyan, and Col10a1-RFPcherry) were used to analyze the expression pattern of transgenes in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). To study the effect of TMJ loading, animals were subjected to forced mouth opening with custom springs exerting 50 g force for 1 h/day for 5 days. Dynamic mineralization and cellular proliferation (EdU-labeling) were assessed in loaded vs control mice. RESULTS: Dkk3 expression was seen in the superficial zone of the MCC, followed by Col1 in the cartilage zone, Col2 in the prehypertrophic zone, and Col10 in the hypertrophic zone at and below the tidemark. TMJ loading increased expression of the GFP reporters and EdU-labeling of cells in the cartilage, resulting in a thickness increase of all layers of the cartilage. In addition, mineral apposition increased resulting in Col10 expression by unmineralized cells above the tidemark. CONCLUSION: The TMJ responded to static loading by forming thicker cartilage through adaptive remodeling.
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    Dose analysis of photobiomodulation therapy on osteoblast, osteoclast, and osteocyte
    (SPIE, 2018-07) Na, Sungsoo; TruongVo, ThucNhi; Jiang, Feifei; Joll, Jeffery E.; Guo, Yunxia; Utreja, Achint; Chen, Jie; Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology
    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of varying light doses on the viability and cellular activity of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. A light application device was developed to apply 940-nm wavelength light from light-emitting diodes on three cultured cells, MC3T3-E1, MLO-A5, and RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. The doses (energy density) on cells were 0, 1, 5, and 7.5  J  /  cm2. The corresponding light power densities at the cell site were 0, 1.67, 8.33, and 12.5  mW  /  cm2, respectively, and the duration was 10 min. The results showed that the three cell types respond differently to light and their responses were dose dependent. Low-dose treatment (1  J  /  cm2) enhanced osteoblast proliferation, osteoclast differentiation, and osteoclastic bone resorption activity. Osteocyte proliferation was not affected by both low- and high-dose (5  J  /  cm2) treatments. While 1  J  /  cm2 did not affect viability of all three cell types, 5  J  /  cm2 significantly decreased viability of osteocytes and osteoclasts. Osteoblast viability was negatively impacted by the higher dose (7.5  J  /  cm2). The findings suggest that optimal doses exist for osteoblast and osteoclast, which can stimulate cell activities, and there is a safe dose range for each type of cell tested.
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    The effect of corticision on root resorption with heavy and light forces
    (2016-01) Murphy, Christopher; Zalajzic, Zana; Chandhoke, Taranpreet; Utreja, Achint; Nanda, Ravindra; Uribe, Flavio; Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, School of Dentistry
    Objective:  To investigate the association between corticision and different force magnitudes with the amount of root resorption. Methods:  Forty-four male Wistar rats (7 week old) were evaluated after an orthodontic spring delivering either 10 or 100 g was placed on the left maxillary first molars to move molars mesially. Experimental rats were divided into four groups, with 11 animals in each group: (1) LF, no corticision and 10 g of orthodontic force; (2) LFC, corticision and 10 g of force; (3) HF, no corticision and 100 g of force; and (4) HFC, corticision and 100 g of force. Contralateral sides were used as unloaded controls. The total duration of the experimental period was 14 days. Two-dimensional (histomorphometric) and three-dimensional (volumetric, micro-focus X-ray computed tomography [microCT]) analysis of root craters were performed on maxillary first molars. Results:  Histomorphometric and microCT analysis revealed a significant amount of resorptive areas in the experimental groups when compared to unloaded controls. However, no significant difference was detected in the amount of resorption among the four experimental groups. Conclusions:  At day 14, neither the amount of force nor the cortical incision caused significant effect on root resorption that was registered by histomorphometric or microCT analysis.
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    The Effect of Overexpression of Lrp5 on the Temporomandibular Joint
    (Sage, 2021) Utreja, Achint; Motevasel, Hengameh; Bain, Carol; Holland, Robert; Robling, Alexander; Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, School of Dentistry
    Objective: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique fibrocartilaginous joint that adapts to mechanical loading through cell signaling pathways such as the Wnt pathway. Increased expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5), a co-receptor of the Wnt pathway, is associated with a high bone mass (HBM) phenotype. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of overexpression of Lrp5 on the subchondral bone and cartilage of the TMJ in mice exhibiting the HBM phenotype. Design: Sixteen-week-old Lrp5 knock-in transgenic mice carrying either the A214V (EXP-A) or G171V (EXP-G) missense mutations, and wildtype controls (CTRL) were included in this study. Fluorescent bone labels, calcein, alizarin complexone, and demeclocycline were injected at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 weeks of age, respectively. The left mandibular condyle was used to compare the subchondral bone micro-computed tomography parameters and the right TMJ was used for histological analyses. Cartilage thickness, matrix proteoglycan accumulation, and immunohistochemical localization of Lrp5 and sclerostin were compared between the groups. Results: Subchondral bone volume (BV) and percent bone volume (BV/TV) were significantly increased in both EXP-A and EXP-G compared with CTRL (P < 0.05) whereas trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) was decreased. Cartilage thickness, extracellular matrix production, and expression of Lrp5 and Sost were all increased in the experimental groups. The separation between the fluorescent bone labels indicated increased endochondral maturation between 3.5 and 7.5 weeks. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that Lrp5 overexpression leads to adaptation changes in the mandibular condylar cartilage of the TMJ to prevent cartilage degradation.
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    Maxillary expansion in an animal model with light, continuous force
    (E.H Angle Education and Research Foundation, 2018) Utreja, Achint; Bain, Carol; Turek, Brett; Holland, Robert; AlRasheed, Rawan; Sorkhdini, Parand; Roberts, W. Eugene; Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, School of Dentistry
    Objectives: Maxillary constriction is routinely addressed with rapid maxillary expansion (RME). However, the heavy forces delivered by most RME appliances to expand the palate may lead to deleterious effects on the teeth and supporting tissues. The objective of this study was to explore a more physiologic maxillary expansion with light continuous force. Materials and Methods: Twenty 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into experimental (EXPT) and control (CTRL) groups. A custom-fabricated archwire expansion appliance made from 0.014-inch copper-nickel-titanium wire was activated 5 mm and bonded to the maxillary molar segments of animals in the EXPT group for 21 days. The force applied to each maxillary segment was 5 cN. Microfocus x-ray computed tomography and histological analyses were used to compare the tooth movement and bone morphology in the midpalatal suture and buccal aspect of the alveolar process between the EXPT and CTRL groups. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard error of the mean) and nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the outcomes across groups. Results: Compared to the CTRL group, there was a statistically significant increase in buccal tooth movement and expansion of the midpalatal suture in the EXPT group. There was no difference in the bone morphologic parameters between groups. The mineral apposition rate was increased on the buccal surface of the alveolar process in the EXPT group. Conclusions: Application of light, continuous force resulted in maxillary osseous expansion due to bilateral sutural apposition and buccal drift of the alveolar processes. This animal experiment provides a more physiologic basis for maxillary expansion.
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    Precision of the virtual occlusal record
    (Allen Press, 2019-09) Botsford, Keyan P.; Frazier, Michael C.; Ghoneima, Ahmed A.M.; Utreja, Achint; Bhamidipalli, Surya S.; Stewart, Kelton T.; Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, School of Dentistry
    Objectives: To evaluate the precision of the virtual occlusal record using the Carestream CS3600 Intraoral Scanner (Carestream Dental, Atlanta, Ga). Materials and methods: A total of 20 participants were recruited for this prospective study using preestablished inclusion/exclusion criteria. A complete intraoral scan and two bite registrations were obtained. The participants were instructed to bite with normal pressure when bite registrations were acquired. Contact locations, size (circumference), and intensity were identified on the maxillary first molars and canines. Agreement between contact size and intensity was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Kappa statistics evaluated agreement in contact locations. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: All participant data were included for statistical analysis. Between the two bite registrations, nonstatistically significant differences were observed in the proportion of locations with contacts (P = .7681). A nonstatistically significant difference (-0.25 mm, P = .8416) in mean contact circumference size was observed. A statistically significant difference in mean contact intensity was observed (P = .0448). When evaluating agreement between the bite registrations, a weak correlation for size (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.35) and intensity (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.32) was observed as well as a moderate agreement for contact location (κ coefficient = 0.67). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Carestream intraoral scanner software possesses adequate precision when acquiring the location and size of the contacts in bite registrations. The scanner failed to demonstrate adequate precision when acquiring contact intensities in bite registrations. Additional research is warranted to further investigate the precision of virtual occlusal records with currently available software systems.
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    Pyk2 deficiency enhances bone mass during midpalatal suture expansion
    (Wiley, 2020-11) Sun, Jun; Eleniste, Pierre P.; Utreja, Achint; Turkkahraman, Hakan; Liu, Sean Shih-Yao; Bruzzaniti, Angela; Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry
    OBJECTIVE: To determine if Pyk2 deficiency increases midpalatal suture bone mass and preserves sutural integrity after maxillary expansion. SETTING AND SAMPLE: Thirty-six male Pyk2 knockout (KO) and control (WT) mice at 6 weeks of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice received nickel-titanium spring expanders delivering 0 g (no intervention control), 10 or 20 g force for 14 days. High-resolution micro-CT was used to determine bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), sutural width and intermolar width. Effects on osteoclasts, chondrocytes and suture morphology were determined by histomorphometry. RESULTS: Pyk2-KO controls (0 g) had 7% higher BV/TV compared with WT controls. Expanded Pyk2-KO maxillae also exhibited 12% (10 g) and 18% (20 g) higher BV/TV than WT mice. Although bone loss following expansion occurred in both genotypes, BV/TV was decreased to a greater extent in WT maxillae (-10% at 10g; -22% at 20 g) compared with Pyk2-KO maxillae (-11% only at 20 g). Expanded WT maxillae also showed a greater increase in sutural width, intermolar width and fibrous connective tissue width compared with expanded Pyk2-KO maxillae. Moreover, osteoclast number was increased 77% (10 g) and 132% (20 g) in expanded WT maxillae, but remained unchanged in expanded Pyk2-KO, compared to their respective controls. Cartilage area and chondrocyte number were increased to the same extent in expanded WT and Pyk2-KO sutures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that midpalatal suture expansion increases osteoclast formation in WT but not Pyk2-KO mice, leading to higher BV/TV in expanded Pyk2-KO maxillae. These studies suggest Pyk2-targeted strategies may be beneficial to increase bone density and preserve sutural integrity during maxillary expansion.
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    Wnt Signaling Related to Subchondral Bone Density and Cartilage Degradation in OA
    (Wiley, 2018) Burr, David B.; Utreja, Achint; Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine
    The role of subchondral bone in the progression of osteoarthritis has been controversial for nearly 50 years.(1,2) The observation that subchondral sclerosis was nearly always present in end-stage disease led to the conclusion that the increased stiffness caused by a thicker subchondral bone plate detracted from the bone's ability to attenuate the loads imposed on the joint cartilage, increasing cartilage stresses and initiating the process of joint deterioration. Because cartilage damage does not always progress to full thickness cartilage loss and OA, Radin and Rose(3) proposed that the initiation and the progression of cartilage deterioration were separate processes.