METHODOLOGY: The expression of stemness markers for DPSC and SHED was evaluated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Alkaline phosphatase assay was used to compare the osteoblastic differentiation of these cells (2D culture). Then, cells were seeded on the scaffold and incubated for 21 days. Morphology assessment using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was done while osteogenic differentiation was detected using ALP assay (3D culture).

BACKGROUND: A cocktail of ascorbic acid, β-glycerophosphate, and dexamethasone has been widely used to induce osteoblast differentiation. However, under certain conditions, β-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone can cause a decrease in cell viability in stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the cytotoxic effect and potential of ascorbic acid as the sole inducer of osteoblast differentiation.

METHODS: Cytotoxicity analyses in the presence of 10-500 µg/mL ascorbic acid were performed in both cell types using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The concentrations below the IC50 (i.e., 10-150 µg/mL) were used to determine osteoblast differentiation potential of ascorbic acid using the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, von Kossa staining, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: SHEDs and DPSCs proliferated for 21 days, expressed a Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) marker (CD73+), and did not express Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) markers (CD34- and SLAMF1-). SHEDs had a higher range of IC50 values (215-240 µg/mL ascorbic acid), while the IC50 values for DPSCs were 177-211 µg/mL after 24-72 hours. SHEDs treated with 10-100 µg/mL ascorbic acid alone exhibited higher ALP-specific activity and a higher percentage of mineralisation than DPSCs. Both cell types expressed osteoblast markers on day 21, i.e., RUNX2+ and BSP+, in the presence of ascorbic acid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 45 subjects who were divided into 3 groups based on the severity of root resorption using radiographs: normal (RO), mild (RM), and severe (RS). DSPP in GCF samples was analyzed using both methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 30 orthodontists to evaluate future user acceptance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tristar Trubalance aligner sheets were used to fabricate the CAs. Thirty-four resin models were 3D printed and 17 each, were bonded with ellipsoidal or rectangular attachments on maxillary right central incisors. Fuji Prescale pressure film was used to measure the force generated by the attachment of CA. The images of colour density produced on the films were processed using a calibrated pressure mapping system utilising image processing techniques and topographical force mapping to quantify the force. The force measurement process was repeated after the flash was removed from the attachment using tungsten-carbide bur on a slow-speed handpiece.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in Pubmed, and Scopus, and relevant studies published between 2015 and 2020 were selected following the PRISMA guideline. The main inclusion criteria were that articles must be revolving on method for osteoblast differentiation in vitro study. Therefore, in vivo and human or animal clinical studies were excluded. The search outcomes identified all articles containing the word "odontoblast", "differentiation", and "mesenchymal stem cell".

RESULTS: The literature search identified 99 related studies, but only 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. These include 5 odontoblastic differentiation induction with scaffold, 6 inductions without scaffolds. The data collected were characterised into two main categories: type of cells undergo odontoblastic differentiation, and odontoblastic differentiation techniques using scaffolds or non-scaffold.