Magnetic random­access memory (MRAM) devices have been widely studied since the 1960s. During this time, the size of spintronic devices has continued to decrease. Conse quently, there is now an urgent need for new low­dimensional magnetic materials to mimic the traditional structures of spintronics at the nanoscale. We also require new effective mechanisms to conduct the main functions of memory devices, which are: reading, writ ing, and storing data. To date, most research efforts have focused on MRAM devices based on magnetic tun nel junction (MTJ), such as a conventional field­driven MRAM and spin­transfer torque (STT)­MRAM devices. Consequently, many efforts are currently focusing on new alterna tives using different techniques, such as spin­orbit torque (SOT) and magnetic skyrmions (a skyrmion is the smallest potential disruption to a uniform magnet required to obtain more effective memory devices). The most promising memory devices are SOT­MRAMs and skyrmion­based memories. This study investigates the magnetic properties of 1T­phase vanadium dichalcogenide (VXY) Janus monolayers, where X, Y= S, Se, or Te (i.e., monolayers that exhibit inversion symme try breaking due to the presence of different chalcogen elements). This study is developed along four directions: (I) the nature of the magnetism and the SOT effect of Janus mono layers; (II) the Dzyaloshinskii Moriya interaction (DMI); (III) investigation of stability en hancement by adopting practical procedures for industry; and (IV) study of the effect of a hexagonal boron nitride (h­BN) monolayer as an insulator on the magnetism of the VXY monolayer. This study provides a clear perspective for the next generation of memory de vices, such as SOT­MRAMs based on transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers.

Aim. The present licentiate thesis investigated the prevalence of TMDpainand related factors, the prevalence and severity of tooth wear, andthe etiology and factors related to tooth wear in adults in southern Sweden.Methods. The methods used included a questionnaire, history, clinical examination,intraoral photographs, and saliva sample. In Paper I, twoscreening questions for TMD pain were used to query a study samplecomprising 6123 questionnaire participants about their pain experience.In Paper II, a clinical examination and intraoral photographs helped determinethe presence and severity of tooth wear. Information from a questionnaire,patient histories, and participant saliva samples were analyzedregarding tooth wear-related factors. The study sample comprised 831 individuals.Results. Paper I found a prevalence of TMD pain once a week or moreoften in 11% of the study sample. Related factors were female gender,subjects under 50 years of age, weekly headache, self-reports of poor generalhealth, impaired oral health-related quality of life, and tooth wear.Paper II showed tooth wear in all individuals. Attrition, the most commontooth wear, was found in over 90% of the study sample. Signs of erosionwere found in almost 80% of the individuals. Men had more tooth wearthan women, but none of the factors that were investigated as related factorsdiffered between the genders. Only some of the individuals, includingthe group with severe tooth wear reported having received information about tooth wear from their clinician. Participants reported receiving informationabout tooth wear due to extensive tooth brushing more thanabout erosion.Conclusions. Paper I found a prevalence of TMD pain in 11% of the studysample. In Paper II, attrition was found in over 90% of the study sample.Almost 80% of the individuals exhibited signs of erosion. Only a few reportedhaving received information about tooth wear due to erosion fromtheir clinician. / <p>Paper I is not included in the fulltext online</p>

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Objektiv: Temporomandibulär dysfunktion (TMD) utgör vanligaste formen av kronisk orofacial smärta. Kronisk TMD har negativ inverkan på det psykosociala tillståndet vilket påverkar livskvaliteten. Syftet är att utreda huruvida en korrelation mellan TMD, katastrofiering, kinesofobi och fysiska symtom föreligger. Material och metod: Studien baseras på data från TMJ Impact Project som utvärderar 401 individer (333 kvinnor, 86 män, medelålder 45.8) från den initiala studien The Validation Project som utvärderar diagnostiken enligt RDC/TMD, insamlingen utfördes på University of Minnesota, University of Washington och University of Buffalo (2003-2006). 218 individer hade smärtsam TMD, 111 icke-smärtsam TMD, 63 smärtfria kontroller och data saknades för 9 individer. Deltagarna genomgick diagnostik enligt RDC/TMD som inkluderar en klinisk- och radiologisk undersökning (axel I) och en psykosocial utvärdering (axel II). För att undersöka en potentiell korrelation mellan TMD, katastrofiering, kinesofobi och fysiska symptom användes följande instrument: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, The Patient Health Questionnaire och Areas of Pain.Resultat: Deltagare med smärtsam TMD uppvisade statistisk signifikant grad av kinesofobi, somatisering och fysiska symtom jämfört med kontroller. Deltagare med smärtfri TMD uppvisade högre grad av kinesofobi jämfört med kontroller. Det råder en låg- till moderat positiv korrelation mellan katastrofiering och kinesofobi hos deltagare med smärtsam TMD (r=0,37 p<0,001) och smärtfri TMD (r=0,53 p<0,001).Konklusion: Resultaten uppvisar associationer mellan katastrofiering och kinesofobi hos patienter med TMD oberoende av smärtförekomst. Överlag föreslår resultaten att utvärderingen av kinesofobi och katastrofiering, utspridd smärta och multipla icke-TMD relaterade symtom kan vara av klinisk vikt vid utvärderingen av patienter med TMD. / Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common causes of chronic orofacial pain and affects both psychological and social aspects of life. The aim was to investigate the possible relationship between TMD, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and physical symptoms. Methods: The study was based on 401 participants (333 women, 86 men, mean age 45.8 years) in the TMJ Impact Project recruited at University of Minnesota, University of Washington and University of Buffalo 2003-2006. Of these, 218 had TMD pain, 111 non-painful TMD, 63 were pain-free controls and data was missing for 9 individuals. Participants were diagnosed in accordance with the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD, including a clinical and radiographic examination (axis I) and a psychosocial assessment (axis II). The possible correlations between TMD, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and physical symptoms were evaluated with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Patient Health Questionnaire, together with Areas of Pain. Results: Compared to controls, participants with TMD pain showed a statistically significant degree of kinesiophobia, somatic symptoms, and areas of pain and participants with non-painful TMD showed a higher degree of kinesiophobia. There was a positive, low to moderate correlation between catastrophizing and kinesiophobia for participants with TMD pain (r=0.37, p<0.001) and non-painful TMD (r=0.53, p<0.001).Conclusions: The results suggest an association between catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in individuals with TMD regardless of presence of pain. The findings suggest that evaluating fear of movement and catastrophizing, as well as widespread pain and multiple non-TMD symptoms can be useful in the assessment of patients with TMD.

Craniofacial asymmetry is a dentofacial deformity with genetic influences. The genes PITX2, ENPP1 and ESR1 have multiple genetic associations with functional properties in muscle and bone. The objectives of this study are to investigate how PITX2, ENPP1 and ESR1 gene expression associates with four subclassifications of craniofacial asymmetry, temporomandibular disorders and fiber type differences compared between right and left masseter muscles. We developed an asymmetry classification that diagnosed four types of asymmetry with distinctive growth patterns: Group 1 – menton deviation without ramal difference (“mandibular body asymmetry”); Group 2 –menton deviation with shorter ramal height on the deviated side (“typical asymmetry”); Group 3 – shorter ramal height on the opposite side of menton deviation (“atypical asymmetry”); Group 4 – menton deviation with shorter ramal height and maxillary canting on the deviated side (“C-shaped asymmetry”). Some of these patients are at high risk for TMD; therefore, temporomandibular joint functioning is assessed as a routine part of the pre-surgical evaluation. TMD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD). The clinical examination includes mandibular range of motion, palpation for pain, joint noise and bruxism. In addition, the Jaw Pain and Function (JPF) questionnaire was used to assess patient reported symptoms as an indication of perceived severity before and one year after orthognathic surgery. Masseter muscle samples were collected from 174 subjects undergoing surgical treatment for correction of malocclusion. Muscle serial cross-sections were mounted for immunostaining with five antibodies specific for myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform. We classified masseter fibers into 4 fiber type groups: type I, type I/II hybrid, type IIA and/or IIX, neonatal and atrial. With the remaining muscle samples, total RNA was isolated and PITX2, ENPP1, and ESR1 expression was quantified using TaqMan qRT-PCR. Average relative quantity gene expression values and percent differences between left and right masseter samples were calculated. In this population, there is a high prevalence of facial asymmetry (48%). Pre-surgical mean JPF scores are significantly different between symmetric (JPF=1.97) and asymmetric (JPF=6.9; p&lt;0.001) patients; with scores ≥ 6 diagnostic for presence of TMD. ENPP1 and ESR1 expression is differentially expressed between right and left masseter muscle in patients with asymmetry. ENPP1 is differentially expressed in asymmetry group 4 (p=0.01) and ESR1 is differentially expressed in asymmetry group 1 (p=0.048), group 2 (p=0.004) and group 4 (p=0.02). Masseter fiber type properties of type I, type I/II hybrid and type II fibers associate with facial asymmetry and specific subclassifications, suggesting functional differences between type I, type I/II and type II fibers may be important factors in the development of symmetry between facial sides. There are significant differences in the left-right percent differences of fiber area of type I fibers in asymmetry group 3 (p=0.05), type I/II hybrid fibers in group 3 (p=0.02), and type II fibers in asymmetric patients (p=0.03), asymmetry group 2 (p=0.05) and group 4 (p=0.005). Additionally, there are significant differences in the left-right percent differences of percent occupancy of type I fibers in asymmetric patients (p=0.04), asymmetry group 2 (p=0.01) and group 3 (p=0.05) and type II fibers in asymmetry group 2 (p=0.04). By comparing gene expression with masseter muscle fiber type properties, we found significant results for PITX2 and ENPP1 suggesting their roles as genetic factors influencing jaw bone length and masticatory muscle strength in malocclusion. There are significant positive correlations between left-right percent differences of PITX2 and type I fiber area (r=0.86; p=0.03), type I/II hybrid fiber area (r=0.94; p=0.006), and type I/II hybrid fiber percent occupancy (r=0.90; p=0.01). Also, there are positive correlations approaching significance between left-right percent differences of ENPP1 and type I fiber area (r=0.80; p=0.06) and type I/II hybrid fiber area (r=0.75; p=0.09). Given the high prevalence of TMD in a population of patients with facial asymmetry, we compared differences in gene expression in masseter muscle of patients with specific TMD diagnostic conditions. Average PITX2 expression is significantly increased (p=0.0375) and average ENPP1 is increased, but not significantly, in all TMD patients diagnosed by the clinician. Average ESR1 is slightly increased compared to JPF scores and may be an essential factor for patient reported TMD symptoms. With these results, PITX2, ENPP1, and ESR1 should be considered biomarkers for asymmetry and TMD; however, further studies are needed to provide a more thorough understanding of the genetic influences on the craniofacial complex. / Oral Biology

Masseter muscle is one of the major muscles of mastication, and is comprised of actin and myosin myofibrils organized into sarcomeric contractile units. Structurally, sarcomeres are repeating portions of myofibrils between neighboring Z-lines (a.k.a. Z-disc, Z-band). The Z-line or Z-disc is composed of non-contractile proteins that provide mechanical stability to the sarcomere. One of the proteins of Z-disc is alpha-B-crystallin, a protein product of the gene CRYAB. Together with several other proteins of the Z-disc, CRYAB gene has been found to be up-regulated in Actn3 knock-out mice. In addition, CRYAB is suspected to be a pain mediator gene, having similar structure and function to CRYAA (alpha,A-crystallin) identified as one of the candidate genes from the Pain Research Panel, previously investigated in the Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) Study. Finally, in a microarray of global gene expression CRYAB was increased in subjects with facial asymmetry. We have examined CRYAB expression in masseter muscle of 64 orthognathic surgery patients to determine associations with skeletal malocclusions. Salivary DNA was genotyped for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for ACTN3 (rs1815739) and masseter muscle RNA isolated from an orthognathic surgery patient population. These genotyping and expression data have been used to identify differences in CRYAB expression in sub-groups of our patient population with Class II and III, normal, open and deep bite malocclusions who are null for ACTN3. In addition, we evaluated expression levels of CRYAB in patients with TMD-related myalgia. We found that relative quantities of CRYAB expression differed very significantly between sexes (p=0.005). ANOVA comparison between all subjects with and without TMD-myalgia indicated that males with TMD-myalgia had significantly greater (p&lt;0.02) expression than other groups. An unpaired t-test showed that with TMD-related myalgia, CRYAB expression was significantly higher (p=0.03) in males than in females. ANOVA comparison between sexes with Class II and Class III malocclusions showed greater expression of CRYAB (p=0.005) in males with Class II. Expression was likewise greater in males with Class III malocclusion than in females with Class III (p&lt;0.01). Among different age groups, subjects 25 years of age or younger had significantly (p value=0.025) increased expression of CRYAB gene. There were no significant differences for genotypes or facial asymmetry. / Oral Biology

Disfunções Temporomandibulares e Dor Orofacial ou DTM, referem-se a um conjunto de alterações funcionais e/ou estruturais que se manifestam nas articulações temporomandibulares (ATMs), nos músculos da mastigação e nas estruturas associadas que compõem o aparelho mastigatório (Okeson, 2013). A DTM tem o potencial de não só interferir nas atividades funcionais do sistema estomatognático, mas também de afetar o comportamento social e psicológico do indivíduo. Este trabalho avaliou a amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e a dor a palpação muscular no pré e pós-tratamento de participantes com DTM. Os participantes incluídos na pesquisa responderam ao Research Diagnostic for Temporomandibular Dysfunction (RDC/TMD) para viabilizar a formulação do diagnóstico de DTM e qualificar a dor a palpação dos músculos faciais, e submetidos à análise dos movimentos através de uma análise 3D, o JMA que avalia os movimentos mandibulares por vias ultrassônicas, no pré e póstratamento com placa estabilizadora por 30 e 60 dias. Os participantes foram reavaliados, com o objetivo de saber se haverá uma melhora na amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares pela abertura, lateralidades e protrusão e da movimentação condilar dentro da cavidade articular no plano sagital e frontal. Os resultados demonstraram não ter diferenças estatísticas na maior parte dos movimentos excursivos mandibulares (abertura, lateralidade e protrusão) avaliados tanto pelo sistema de ultrassom JMA quanto pelo exame do RDC/TMD. Na análise descritiva dos resultados obtidos através da palpação dos músculos na aplicação do RDC/TMD observamos uma grande melhora no quadro clinico de dor a palpação após 60 dias de uso da Placa Oclusal estabilizadora. Também não observamos diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os dados coletados de amplitude dos movimentos pelo sistema informatizado JMA e pelo questionário RDC/TMD, ou seja, podemos afirmar que a avaliação pelo JMA é precisa e confiável. / Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain or TMD, refer to a set of functional and / or structural changes that are manifested in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the masticatory muscles and associated structures that make up the masticatory system (Okeson, 2013). The TMD has the potential to not only interfere with the functional activities of the stomatognathic system, but also affect the social and psychological behavior of the individual. This study evaluated the range of mandibular movements and muscle palpation pain in the pre and post-treatment of participants with TMD. Participants included in the study responded to the Research Diagnostic for Temporomandibular Dysfunction (RDC / TMD) to allow the formulation of a diagnosis of TMD and qualify pain palpation of the facial muscles, and subjected to analysis of movement through 3D JMA assessing movements mandibular by ultrasonic means, before and after treatment with stabilizing plate for 30 and 60 days. Participants were reassessed in order to know if there will be an improvement in the range of mandibular movements for opening, laterality and protrusion and condyle movement within the joint cavity in the sagittal and frontal plane. The results showed no statistical differences have in most excursive mandibular movements (opening, lateral and protrusive) assessed both by JMA ultrasound system as the examination of the RDC / TMD. In the descriptive analysis of the results obtained by palpation of the muscles in the application of the RDC / TMD noticed a great improvement in the clinical picture of pain palpation after 60 days of use board stabilizing occlusal. We did not observe statistically significant differences between the data collected from the range of motion by the computerized system JMA and the questionnaire RDC / TMD, other words, we can say that the evaluation by the JMA is accurate and reliable.

O presente estudo avaliou a relação dos parâmetros do eixo II dos Critérios de Diagnóstico de Pesquisa das Disfunções Temporomandibulares (RDC/TMD) na resposta terapêutica de pacientes com DTM. Trinta e três pacientes (média de idade de 33,2 anos ± 13,4) com artralgia da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) foram submetidos a três terapêuticas: laser de baixa potência (LBP) + piroxicam (LPi), LBP + placebo de piroxicam (L) e piroxicam + placebo de LBP (Pi). Os pacientes receberam a terapêutica por 10 dias. As avaliações foram feitas na 1a e 4a sessões de tratamento. A presença e intensidade de dor espontânea, dor à palpação e máxima abertura bucal foram mensuradas. A evolução destas foi comparada à classificação dos pacientes de acordo com os parâmetros do eixo II: grau de dor crônica (GDC), depressão e sintomas físicos não específicos (SFNE). Os dados foram analisados usando os testes de Fisher, Wilcoxon, t de Student, Kruskal-Wallis, U de Mann-Whitney e análise de variâncias, adotando-se p<0,05 como nível de significância. Foi possível observar melhora significativa (p<0,05) dos pacientes estudados quanto ao tempo em relação à EVA e dor à palpação tanto muscular quanto articular. Notou-se diferença estatística significante (p<0,05) entre os grupos de GDC e abertura bucal 4ª sessão e dor articular; entre os grupos de SFNE (incluindo e excluindo itens de dor) e palpação muscular 1ª sessão. Entre os grupos de GDC e as variáveis de EVA e palpação muscular foi encontrada diferença marginalmente significativa, apresentando p-valores próximos a 0,05 (p<0,1). Não foi encontrada diferença estatística significante entre os grupos de depressão e as variáveis consideradas. Portanto, foi observada relação entre alta incapacidade e maiores médias dor articular, grau de SFNE incluindo e excluindo itens de dor classificados como severos e palpação muscular inicial. A depressão não apresentou relação com as variáveis estudadas. / The aim of this study was assess the influence of Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis II parameters on treatment outcome of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with piroxicam in patients with TMD. Thirty-two patients (mean age 33.2 years old ± 13.4) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia were enrolled in the study and received three kinds of treatment: LLLT + piroxicam (LPi), LLLT + placebo piroxicam (L) e piroxicam + placebo LLLT (Pi). Patients were managed for ten days. Follow-up evaluations were done at the 1st and 4th consults. The presence and intensity of spontaneous pain through the visual analogue scale (VAS), painful palpation and mandibular maximum vertical opening were measured. The therapeutic outcomes of this population were compared between the classifications of axis II scores: graded chronic pain (GCP), depression and non-specific physical symptoms (NEPS). The data was analyzed using the following statistic models: Fisher\'s test, Student t test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Analysis of Variance. The statistical significance level set was p<0.05. The variables VAS, painful joint and muscle palpation showed improvement over time. Significant difference was found between GCP groups and maximum mouth opening on the 4th session and painful TMJ palpation; between NEFS (including and excluding pain items) and painful muscle palpation on the 1st consult. Between groups of GCP and VAS\'s variables it was found a marginally significant relation, showing p-values near 0.05 (p<0.1). No statistical difference was found on the comparison between depression and the physical variables considered. Thus, it is possible to conclude that there is an association between high incapacity and higher mean values to painful joint palpation, severe NEPS including and excluding pain items and baseline painful muscle palpation. No relation between depression and the studied variables was observed.

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