Using amino acid residues in peptide generation has solved several key problems, including precise control of amino acid sequence order, customized peptides for property modification, and large-scale peptide synthesis. Proteins contain unknown amino acid residues. Extracting them for the synthesis of drug-like peptides can create novel structures with unique properties, driving drug development. Computer-aided design of novel peptide drug molecules can solve the high-cost and low-efficiency problems in the traditional drug discovery process. Previous studies faced limitations in enhancing the bioactivity and drug-likeness of polypeptide drugs due to less emphasis on the connection relationships in amino acid structures. Thus, we proposed a reinforcement learning-driven generation model based on graph attention mechanisms for peptide generation. By harnessing the advantages of graph attention mechanisms, this model effectively captured the connectivity structures between amino acid residues in peptides. Simultaneously, leveraging reinforcement learning\'s strength in guiding optimal sequence searches provided a novel approach to peptide design and optimization. This model introduces an actor-critic framework with real-time feedback loops to achieve dynamic balance between attributes, which can customize the generation of multiple peptides for specific targets and enhance the affinity between peptides and targets. Experimental results demonstrate that the generated drug-like peptides meet specified absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties and bioactivity with a success rate of over 90$\\%$, thereby significantly accelerating the process of drug-like peptide generation.

From the restorative perspective, various methods are available to prevent the progression of non-carious cervical lesions. Direct, semi-direct, and indirect composite resin techniques and indirect ceramic restorations are commonly recommended. In this context, semi-direct and indirect restoration approaches are increasingly favored, particularly as digital dentistry becomes more prevalent. To illustrate this, we present a case report demonstrating the efficacy of hybrid ceramic fragments fabricated using computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology and cemented with resin cement in treating non-carious cervical lesions over a 48-month follow-up period. A 24-year-old male patient sought treatment for aesthetic concerns and dentin hypersensitivity in the cervical region of the lower premolar teeth. Clinical examination confirmed the presence of two non-carious cervical lesions in the buccal region of teeth #44 and #45. The treatment plan involved indirect restoration using CAD/CAM-fabricated hybrid ceramic fragments as a restorative material. After 48 months, the hybrid ceramic material exhibited excellent adaptation and durability provided by the CAD/CAM system. This case underscores the effectiveness of hybrid ceramic fragments in restoring non-carious cervical lesions, highlighting their long-term stability and clinical success.

UNASSIGNED: The aim of this study was to compare the fracture strength and fracture modes of post-cores produced with CAD-CAM from modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials with other custom-produced post-cores.
UNASSIGNED: Sixty human mandibular first premolars with equal root sizes were used. The teeth were divided into six groups (n = 10), and root canal treatment was performed. The teeth were separated from the roots over 2 mm from the cemento-enamel junction. As a result of the decoronation process, a 1 mm wide shoulder line was obtained for all teeth. For the fracture strength test, 10 mm deep post spaces were created on the teeth with a 1.6 mm diameter driller. Post-core groups consisted: everStick® glass fiber post-core (Group GF), zirconia post-core (Group Z), metal (Cr-Co) post-core (Group M), PEEK post-core without filler (Group UP), PEEK post-core with 20% TiO2 Filler (Group TP), and post-core with 20% ceramic filler (Group CP). Following the application of posts to post spaces, copings were created and cemented on the samples. With the universal tester, a force was applied to the long axis of the tooth with a slope of 135°. The mean fracture strength (N) between the groups was statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA, and pairwise mean differences were detected using post hoc Tukey\'s HSD test among the groups.
UNASSIGNED: According to the results of the statistical analysis, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of mean fracture resistance (p < 0.05). Group Z (409.34 ± 45.72) was significantly higher than Group UP (286.64 ± 37.79), CP (298.00 ± 72.30), and TP (280.08 ± 67.83). Group M (376.17 ± 73.28) was significantly higher than Group UP (286.64 ± 37.79) and Group TP (280.08 ± 67.83). There were no statistically significant differences between the means of the other groups (p > 0.05). Among all the groups, Group Z exhibited a higher prevalence of repairable failure modes, while the rest of the groups predominantly experienced irreparable failure modes.
UNASSIGNED: In our study, zirconia and metal post-core samples showed higher average fracture strength values than PEEK post-cores groups. Repairable failure modes were more common in the zirconia post-cores, whereas the opposite was observed in the other groups. Further experimental and clinical trial studies are needed before PEEK materials can be used as post materials in the clinic.

Many factors need to be considered when selecting treatment protocol for surgical correction of skeletal open bite deformities. In order to achieve stable long-term results, it is essential to explore the origin of the open bite, including dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, tongue and compromised nasal breathing, in addition to the skeletal deformity. Recurrence of skeletal open bite is associated with relapse of the expanded transverse width. Three-dimensional virtual planning allows different treatment options to be explored and final decisions to be made together with the orthodontist. This study presents a treatment protocol for predictable and stable widening of the maxillary transverse width over the long term, involving premolar extraction and rounding and shortening of the upper dental arch by advancing the molar segments. The stability of inter-canine, inter-premolar, and inter-molar distances, as well as overjet and overbite, were measured in 16 patients treated with this technique; measurements were obtained pre- and post-surgery, and the mean follow-up was 43 months. Orthodontic treatment was designed digitally and finished with robotically bent wires (SureSmile), which allowed exact planning of the overall treatment, thus making orthognathic surgery more predictable for the patient. The changes in transverse width were significant and stable over time.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have expanded in the field of dentistry, especially in the clinical and diagnostic aspects of occlusal abnormalities. Consequently, the purpose of this narrative review is to identify and synthesize data concerning the effects of these sophisticated digital technologies on improved diagnostic performance, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes.
METHODS: Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched and, therefore, performed to find the pertinent digital technologies in dentistry from the published literature. The search was conducted in the period between 2000 and 2024. The criteria for inclusion of the studies targeted technologies that were Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanners, 3D imaging, and Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Some of the comparing between conventional and modern approaches were raised.
RESULTS: Digital technologies have enhanced the diagnostic process due to extended visualization and precise evaluation of occlusal disturbances Conclusion: It has been seen that the application of information technologies in dentistry significantly improved the diagnostics and therapy of occlusion disturbances. While there are some invincible challenges posed by these advancements, the prospects are noteworthy when it comes to accuracy, efficiency, and patient benefits.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of build orientation, increased layer thickness, and dental crowding on the trueness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed models, and to evaluate how these parameters affect the fit of thermoformed appliances.
METHODS: Ninety-six dental models were printed horizontally and vertically on the building platform using different 3D-printing technologies: (1) a stereolithography (SLA) printer with layer thicknesses of 160 μm and 300 μm and (2) a digital light processing (DLP) printer with layer thicknesses of 100 μm and 200 μm. Each printed model was digitalized and superimposed on the corresponding source file using 3D rendering software, and deviations were quantified by the root mean square values. Subsequently, a total of 32 thermoformed appliances were fabricated on top of the most accurate 3D-printed models, and their fit was evaluated by digital superimposition and inspection by three blinded orthodontists. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS: Significant differences (P < .05) between printing technologies used were identified for models printed horizontally, with the SLA system achieving better trueness, especially in crowded dentitions. No significant differences between technology were found when models were printed vertically. The highest values of deviation were recorded in appliances fabricated on top of DLP-printed models. The results of the qualitative evaluation indicated that appliances fabricated on top of SLA models outperformed the DLP-modeled appliances.
CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional printing with increased layer height seems to produce accurate working models for orthodontic applications.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of intraoral scanning is critical for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing workflows in dentistry. However, data regarding the scanning accuracy of various adjacent restorative materials and intraoral scanners are lacking. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of adjacent restorative material type and CEREC\'s intraoral scanners on the accuracy of intraoral digital impressions for inlay cavities.
METHODS: The artificial tooth was prepared with an occlusal cavity depth of 2 mm, a proximal box width at the gingival floor of 1.5 mm, and an equi-gingival margin extended disto-occlusally at the transition line angle on both the lingual and buccal sides for an inlay restoration. The adjacent teeth were veneered with crowns made of gold and zirconia, and an artificial tooth (resin) was utilized as the control group. The inlay cavity and adjacent teeth (Gold, Zirconia, and resin) were scanned 10 times using Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) Primescan (PS), Omnicam (OC), and Bluecam (BC). A reference scan was obtained using a laboratory scanner (3-shape E3). Scanning was performed according to the manufacturer\'s instructions, including powder application for the BC group. Standard tesselation language files were analyzed using a three-dimensional analysis software program. Experimental data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey\'s post-hoc comparison test.
RESULTS: The restorative materials of the adjacent teeth significantly affected the accuracy of the intraoral digital impressions (p < .05). The zirconia group exhibited the highest trueness deviation, followed by the resin and gold groups, with each demonstrating a statistically significant difference (p < .05). The resin group demonstrated the highest maximum positive deviation and deviation in precision. Gold exhibited the lowest average deviation value for trueness compared with those of the other adjacent restorative materials. Intraoral scanner type significantly influenced the trueness and precision of the scan data (p < .05). The average deviation of trueness according to the intraoral scanner type increased in the following order: BC > PS > OC. The average deviation in precision increased in the following order: PS>OC>BC (p < .05).
CONCLUSIONS: The restorative materials of the adjacent tooth and the type of intraoral scanner affect the accuracy of the intraoral digital impression. The trueness of the digital images of the BC group, obtained by spraying the powder, was comparable to that of the PS group. Among the adjacent restorative materials, zirconia exhibited the lowest trueness. In contrast, PS demonstrated the highest precision among the intraoral scanners, while resin displayed the lowest precision among the adjacent restorative materials.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the increased use of chairside CAD/CAM among Chinese dental practitioners, and to explore the existing barriers influencing its further application and satisfaction levels.
METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to gather respondents\' demographic information, as well as their experiences and behaviours regarding the implementation of chairside CAD/CAM. A specialised web-based survey system and WeChat were used to display and distribute the final questionnaire. Then, the data were analysed with Chi-square tests and regression analyses to determine the effects of various demographic variables on chairside CAD/ CAM applications.
RESULTS: A total of 1,969 questionnaire responses were included in the analyses. Chairside CAD/ CAM systems were used by 36.9% of participants, with a higher usage rate observed among prosthodontists (60.0%) and dental practitioners holding a PhD degree (57.7%). Chairside CAD/ CAM-fabricated prostheses were most commonly used in the posterior maxilla (83.3%) and mandible (86.0%), followed by the anterior maxilla and mandible (63.8% and 48.6%, respectively). Major barriers to further application included high initial investment, frequent updates of equipment and software programs, and a lack of expertise in chairside CAD/CAM usage.
CONCLUSIONS: Most dental practitioners did not use chairside CAD/CAM systems. The application rate was significantly influenced by sex, location, educational background, department and type of healthcare facility. Chairside CAD/CAM users showed limited satisfaction with the aesthetic performance of the fabricated prostheses. To improve the popularity of chairside CAD/CAM systems, especially among dental practitioners lacking advanced academic degrees, it is highly advisable to optimise CAD software programs and offer comprehensive training opportunities.

Owing to the increasing use of computers, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has become an essential component of drug discovery research. In structure-based drug design (SBDD), including inhibitor design and in silico screening of drug target molecules, concordance with wet experimental data is important to provide insights on unique perspectives derived from calculations. Fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method is a quantum chemical method that facilitates precise energy calculations. Fragmentation method makes it possible to apply the quantum chemical method to biological macromolecules for energy calculation based on the electron behavior. Furthermore, interaction energies calculated on a residue-by-residue basis via fragmentation aid in the analysis of interactions between the target and ligand molecule residues and molecular design. In this review, we outline the recent developments in SBDD and FMO methods and highlight the prospects of developing machine learning approaches for large computational data using the FMO method.

METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled, superiority, double-blinded, parallel-group, two-arms trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1. This study aimed to assess whether the cavity design could affect the clinical performance of the CAD/CAM generated indirect resin composite restoration in endodontically treated teeth (ETT) evaluated using the Modified USPHS criteria after a two-year follow up.
METHODS: A total of 30 participants who underwent endodontic treatment for MOD cavities in permanent molars were divided randomly into two parallel groups (n = 30 restorations) according to the performed cavity design to group 1 in which there was no cuspal reduction (inlay) and group 2 in which cuspal reduction was performed (overlay). All pulp chambers were filled with bulk fill flowable composite, and the cavities were prepared following the criteria of the cavities for indirect restorations and restored using nano-hybrid composite resin blocks (Brilliant, Coltene, Switzerland). The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria at baseline, six months, one-year and two years follow-up visits. For qualitative data, frequencies (n) and percentages (%) were used to display the data, while mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for quantitative data. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. For every test, P ≤ 0.05 was used as the significance threshold.
RESULTS: Twenty-six individuals completed the follow-up period after receiving the assigned intervention.The inter-group comparison showed that, at the 6- months and 12- months observation points, the overlay design had significantly better marginal adaptation, less incidence of discoloration or tooth/restoration fracture, and similar marginal integrity and caries incidence to the inlay design. After 24- months, the overlay design still had better marginal adaptation, less incidence of discoloration or tooth/restoration fracture and less caries incidence in comparison to the inlay design, while there was no difference in the marginal integrity between either design.
CONCLUSIONS: Cuspal reduction in endodontically treated teeth showed better clinical performance than the cusp preservation thus, the former is more reliable.